Ongoing court cases challenging the adoption of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are severely affecting Kenya’s agriculture sector and undermining national efforts to achieve food security. The litigation has stalled key advances in biotechnology that could help mitigate the effects of pests, diseases, drought, and climate change.
Concerns were raised during the 13th Annual Biosafety Conference in Naivasha, where it was noted that court challenges were derailing the adoption of modern biotechnology in farming communities. The use of such technology is seen as vital in addressing ongoing agricultural challenges, yet the legal hurdles have created a cloud of uncertainty around its implementation.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, biotechnology presents viable solutions to emerging threats in the agricultural sector, particularly new pests and diseases. The government maintains that lifting the ban on GMOs was a decision informed by scientific studies confirming the safety of these technologies. It emphasized the existence of robust policies, laws, and regulatory structures to ensure safe application of biotechnology.
In a statement read on behalf of the Agriculture Cabinet Secretary, it was emphasized that biosafety regulations are firmly in place through the National Biotechnology Development Policy, the Biosafety Act, and other legal instruments. The statement underscored that fears surrounding GMO safety are not supported by available evidence, and that modern biotechnologies can play a transformative role in boosting agricultural productivity and enhancing food security.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to supervising and controlling the transfer, handling, and use of GMOs to ensure the safety of both human and animal health. Despite these reassurances, several legal cases continue to delay progress.
The Biosafety Authority reported that multiple GMO crops have already received approval and are currently in various stages of national trials. These include Bt cotton, Bt maize, and virus-resistant cassava. Additionally, the Authority has authorized trials for virus-resistant sweet potato in Kakamega, biofortified cassava in Busia, and late blight-resistant Irish potato in Nakuru.
Other ongoing trials include drought-tolerant maize and African Biofortified Sorghum (ABS) in Makueni County. There are also field trials underway for genetically modified vaccines aimed at controlling Rift Valley Fever in livestock.
Experts in biotechnology have expressed concern over the impact of these legal challenges. The continued ban on GMOs has introduced significant delays and uncertainty despite decades of research and development in the field. Kenya, they noted, remains behind in the commercialization of GMO products, with adoption rates lagging at around 5 percent.
The resistance to GMOs is largely rooted in public skepticism about safety, despite strong scientific consensus and regulatory oversight. The experts called for more public education to correct misconceptions and build trust in technologies that could play a critical role in addressing Kenya’s persistent food insecurity.
