By Enyichukwu Enemanna
In response to what appears to be the worst drought to hit his country in the last 40 years, President of Kenya, William Ruto has lifted ban on the planting of genetically modified crops, a move authorities hopes will improve crop yields and food security.
A statement issued by the President’s office after he chaired a cabinet meeting, described lifting the ban as part of responses to the drought. Cultivation and importation of genetically modified white maize is now authorised.
“Cabinet vacated its earlier decision of 8th November, 2012 prohibiting the open cultivation of genetically modified crops and the importation of food crops and animal feeds produced through biotechnology innovations; effectively lifting the ban on Genetically Modified Crops,” the statement read.
For the last four seasons the annual rains have failed across Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia, forcing 1.5 million people to flee their homes in search of food and water elsewhere.
The statement said Kenya’s cabinet had considered expert and technical reports on biotechnology, including by United Nations agencies the World Health Organization and Food and Agriculture Organization, in making its decision.
The cabinet decision comes after one in 2019 to approve the commercialisation of a genetically enhanced variety of cotton that is resistant against African bollworm.
