The National Environment Management Authority (Nema) has opened a 30-day window for public feedback on a proposed genetically modified (GM) potato variety designed to combat late blight, a destructive crop disease that causes billions of shillings in losses annually.
The disease-resistant Irish potato, developed by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (Kalro) in partnership with the International Potato Centre, has been genetically engineered to include three late blight resistance genes from wild potato relatives. These genes have been incorporated into ‘Shangi’, a variety favored by Kenyan farmers and consumers for its taste and marketability.
Late blight, caused by the pathogen Phytophthora infestans, can wipe out up to 60 per cent of a potato crop in severe cases and is responsible for an estimated 23 percent annual yield loss in Kenya equating to about Sh15.4 billion in economic losses. Farmers have long relied on fungicides for protection, often applying them up to 15 times per season. However, high costs and increasing resistance to fungicides pose serious challenges, particularly for smallholder farmers.
According to Kalro, the new GM variety has undergone five seasons of field trials across three locations in Kenya and has demonstrated robust resistance to late blight, even in conditions that destroyed conventional varieties. If approved, the GM potato would be cultivated in major potato-growing counties, significantly reducing reliance on chemical treatments and improving farmer resilience.
Kalro’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report submitted to Nema outlines potential risks, including soil erosion, vegetation loss, greenhouse gas emissions, and increased water use, among others. The report also proposes mitigation measures to address these concerns.
Nema Director General Mamo Mamo urged the public to submit oral or written feedback to help inform the decision on whether to approve the next phase National Performance Trials in Naivasha, Molo, and Muguga.
This initiative marks a significant step in Kenya’s adoption of biotechnology in agriculture, with the potential to enhance food security and reduce chemical use if adopted responsibly.
