After President William Ruto lift the ban on Genetically Modified Crops (GMO), Kenyans have expressed different opinions regarding whether they pose health risks or not. However, experts have demystified myths surrounding GMOs, saying they are safe for consumption.
The ban on importation and planting of genetically modified crops and animal feeds was lifted by the Cabinet on Monday, October 3, during a meeting chaired by President Ruto. The move further allows for open cultivation and importation of white (GMO) maize.
However, anti-GMO activists and cynics have expressed worry that introducing GMOs to Kenya’s food markets will negatively affect people’s health and the environment, naming cancer and allergies as health risks.
While expounding on the knowledge behind GMOs during an interview with Citizen TV on Wednesday, October 5, Sylvester Anami, a biotechnologist said there are no health risks associated with consuming GMOs.
He further added that there are genetic regulations in place to ensure that the materials don’t contain allergens.
Moreover, Sylvester highlighted that GMOs would help cushion Kenyans from high costs associated with current food consumption because the crops will be tolerant of harsh climatic conditions and require little upkeep for growth.
“There is no evidence to know that GMO causes cancer. Genetically modified foods are not poisonous, it is completely safe, and we welcome the concerns that those who are opposed to GMO can talk to us and we can convince them that these foods are safe,” he added.
“For a long time, we have been having selection of plants so that they choose those that they prefer and with the best qualities. So, the introduction of GMOs is very much important because they will control pest without having to use chemicals and then also if they are challenged by the impact of climate change there is a possibility that they can plant crops that are resilient and that way there will be improved yield and have sufficient amount of food that is healthy.” He added.
Likewise, National Biosafety Authority CEO Dr. Roy Mugiira claimed that the government’s decision to purchase GMO products will help save costs because the crops will require little upkeep and produce at a high level.
“They have overcome certain production costs, for example we have BT cotton which we spray three times. Without GMOs we’d have sprayed 12 times,” he said.
While speaking during the same interview, Dr. Mugiira stated that they have introduced a set of standards that they will use to spot-check products in the Kenyan market to prevent uncertified GMO products from entering.
“When the ban was instituted in 2012, we moved quickly and established offices in our border entry points to check consignments that come in and we were successful in that. We do random sampling of goods to check if they are GMO free and we have not found any that has strayed into our local market since the ban was imposed,” he added.
Also Read: Government Lifts Ban on GMO Crops
Dr. Mugiira further noted that they also carry out regular surveillance around the country picking from supermarkets and running them through tests to confirm if any of them has GMO within the market space.
Nonetheless, before the recent lifting of the ban, the government in 2019 allowed the commercial farming of BT cotton that is already happening in places like Busia, making it the first cash crop to be planted in Kenya following years of research dating back to 2004.
Similarly, the government last year approved the release of GMO cassava that is resistant to brown streak disease, a severe virus disease of cassava. The crop is being cultivated in Kilifi.
