The push for the adoption of Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) food products is on course as the National Biosafety Authority (NBA) says it has received an application for environmental release or open field cultivation, and placing on the market of genetically modified maize (Zea mays).
- The application for the commonly known as Bt maize (MON 89034), was jointly submitted by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) and the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF).
- The Bt maize has been developed using modern biotechnology methods to protect itself against specific pests such as the maize stem borers and fall armyworms, which are devastating pests in maize fields.
- As a result, farmers can expect less damage to their maize crop, which may lead to increased harvests and better-quality grains. This could also lower production costs and reduce risks to health and the environment by using fewer insecticides used for pest management.
“In line with Kenya’s Biosafety Act of 2009, NBA is currently assessing this Bt maize to ensure that it is safe for human and animal consumption as well as being safe to our environment,” says Nehemiah Netich, acting Chief Executive Officer National Biosafety Authority.
“The assessment process involves working with other Government Agencies and Biosafety Experts and focused on censuring the safety of the Bt maize, while comparing the safety parameters of currently cultivated maize varieties.”
He said other evaluations being undertaken include socio-economic impact assessments related to the Bt maize varieties. If the Authority approves the environmental release and open cultivation of the Bt maize, further testing shall be conducted to evaluate its performance under different maize growing zones in Kenya in accordance with the Seeds and Plant Varieties Act, which mandates that all new crop types undergo testing in National Performance Trials before farmers can grow them.
During the 41st Full Board Meeting held on 15th June 2021, The National Biosafety Authority (NBA) approved the application for environmental release of genetically modified (GM) cassava.
The approval was based on food/feed safety and environmental safety assessment which showed that the cassava varieties containing Event 4046 are unlikely to pose any risk to human and animal health or to the environment when consumed as food or feed or when cultivated in the open environment. The variety was thus shown to be as safe as the conventional varieties that have been cultivated by farmers over the years. This approval implies that Kenya is the first country globally to consider a request for environmental release involving cassava crop.
The GM Cassava has been developed using RNA interference (RNAi) technology. RNAi is a natural biological mechanism that regulates the expression of genes. The improved cassava is resistant to Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD) because of the modern biotechnology used to express the high levels of resistance. CBSD is a common viral disease present in Kenya and is spread by whiteflies and by infected cuttings.
The anticipated increased in cassava yields as a result of the intervention will significantly contribute towards addressing Food Security and Nutrition, and Manufacturing. The two are part of the governments’ ‘Big 4 Agenda’, which were launched to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.
High Court last year dismissed a case challenging the importation of genetically modified foods, letting stand an earlier court ruling allowing the entry of so-called GMOs.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) petitioned the court, arguing that genetically modified food was unsafe for humans and that lifting a ban on its importation was unconstitutional.
But in its decision, High Court Justice Oscar Angote ruled that LSK failed to prove that such food was harmful for human consumption.
