Gov’t Seeks Kenyans’ Approval To Release GMO Maize Seedlings
If the government approves an application to produce and sell GMO maize, the market will quickly see an increase in demand.
The application came nearly two years after President William Ruto’s administration removed a ten-year prohibition on GMO products.
The National Biosafety Authority (NBA), a governmental organization entrusted with regulating GMO crops, released a notice via Daily Nation on Friday, inviting Kenyans to comment on whether or not GMO maize should be planted in the country.
According to the notice, the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) and the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) are requesting approval for environmental release or open field cultivation.
They also aim to offer genetically modified maize (Zea mays), generally known as Bt maize.
📢 The National Biosafety Authority (NBA) is calling for public comments on the environmental release and commercialization of Bt Maize in Kenya.
— Mwango Capital (@MwangoCapital) December 6, 2024
This genetically modified maize variety has been designed to resist the destructive fall armyworm pest. pic.twitter.com/lzF9ynM9y0
“NBA hereby notifies the public that it has received an application for environmental release or open field cultivation and placing on the market of genetically modified maize (Zea mays) commonly known as Bt maize,” reads part of the notice.
If the Authority approves the application, farmers will be able to purchase and cultivate maize. Furthermore, farmers, brokers, and merchants will be free to sell maize to the market, competing with organically farmed corn.
“According to the application documents, farmers can expect less damage to their maize crop, which may lead to increased yields and better grain quality,” says NBA.
“This could also lower production costs and reduce risks to health and the environment by using fewer insecticides used for pest management.”
According to the Authority, the two institutes indicated in their letter seeking clearance that Bt maize will be able to protect itself against specific pests such as maize stem borers and fall armyworms, both of which are devastating pests in maize fields.
“Members of the public are invited to submit their comments in writing within 30 days of this announcement,” the Authority said.
The Authority is urging Kenyans to submit their ideas via application forms available on its website.
This will not be the first time Bt Maize has been sold in the market. In 2022, the government relaxed a ten-year prohibition on GMO crops.
At the time, the administration claimed the action was intended to address food security concerns.
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The application comes as the administration remained optimistic about the country’s increasing maize production over the last two years.
According to the government, maize production increased 38.8 percent to 47.6 million bags in 2023, up from 34.3 million bags in 2022.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Andrew Karanja expects maize production to reach more than 60 million bags this year.
Maize remains a staple food in most homes, with an average yearly consumption of around 278kgs per year for a household of four.
Gov’t Seeks Kenyans’ Approval To Release GMO Maize Seedlings
