Scientists in agricultural biotechnology arena have called for a de-politicisation of the Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) debate if Kenya is to reap the benefits of the technology and enhance food security.
They urged those opposed to the lifting of the ban on GMOs to appreciate the benefits countries that embraced the technology have enjoyed for the last 25 years.
The Scientists spoke during an Open Forum for Agricultural Biotechnology Media (OFAB) awards ceremony to honour journalists in the country who have excelled in reportage on agricultural biotechnology.
But coming at a time when the government’s lifting of the ban on GMO has met resistance from various fronts, the proponents of GMO seized the opportunity to put the record straight.
Dr. Margaret Karembu, the director of International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications ISAAA Afri-center said science behind GMO is based on empirical, analytical, and critical research and has been proven to be safe.
She said GMOs should not be politicised adding that added that most of public universities are teaching about it and its ban has caused a brain drain as Bio-technicians from Kenya normally go and work outside Kenya.
Sentiments were echoed by Gerald Masila, Executive Director, Eastern Africa Grain Council, saying that genetic modification has been employed in more than 70 countries globally to address challenges in agricultural production.
The long-standing ban on GMOs in Kenya has finally been lifted after a 12-year ban marking a historic moment in the country’s agri-biotech development.
The Government through a Cabinet decision lifted the ban to allow efficient adoption of approved biotech crops and importation of GM foods.
