The market will soon witness a surge in GMO maize if the government approves an application for producing and selling the maize. The application came nearly two years after President William Ruto’s government lifted a decade-long ban on GMO products.
In a notice via Daily Nation issued on Friday, the National Biosafety Authority (NBA), a state agency tasked with regulating GMO crops, called on Kenyans to comment on whether or not GMO maize should be grown in the country.
According to the notice, the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) and the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) are seeking approval for environmental release or open field cultivation and placing on the market of genetically modified maize (Zea mays), commonly known as Bt maize.
If the Authority allows the application, farmers will be free to purchase and grow the maize. Also, farmers, brokers, and traders will be free to sell the maize to the market, competing with the organically grown maize.
“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.
The Authority says the two institutions, in their letter seeking approval, have indicated that the Bt maize will have the capacity to protect itself against specific pests such as the maize stem borers and fall armyworms, which are devastating pests in maize fields.
“According to the application documents, farmers can expect less damage to their maize crop, which may lead to increased yields and better grain quality. This could also lower production costs and reduce risks to health and the environment by using fewer insecticides used for pest management,” says NBA.
The Authority is asking Kenyans to share their thoughts through application forms available on its website.
“Members of the public are invited to submit their comments in writing within 30 days of this announcement,” the Authority said.
This will not be the first time Bt Maize is being sold in the market. In 2022, the government lifted a decade-long ban on GMO crops. At the time, the government said the move was aimed at addressing food security challenges.
The application comes when the government remains bullish over the rising maize production in the country over the last two years.
According to the government, the production volume of maize rose 38.8 per cent to 47.6 million bags in 2023, up from 34.3 million bags in 2022. This year, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Andrew Karanja says the production of maize is set to increase to over 60 million bags.
Maize remains a staple food in most households, with an average annual consumption of about 278 kg per year for a household of four.
