The National Biosafety Authority (NBA) is conducting public participation meetings across the country to gather public views that will determine the release of Genetically Modified Organism (GMO), BT maize to the market.
According to the Acting Director for Biosafety Research and Compliance at the NBA, Josephat Muchiri, it’s a requirement by the Biosafety Act and the constitution to seek public comments before making a final decision on the BT maize.
Muchiri, who was speaking during a public participation forum at the Machakos Agricultural Training College, said they are currently doing safety assessment of the BT maize and added they are working with other government agencies to ensure the safety of the BT maize.
“NBA is an oversight body that regulates all activities involving GMOs and part of our regulating laws is engaging the public from time to time to get their views on new and upcoming technologies,” said Muchiri.
He disclosed that this action was informed after NBA received an application from Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Centre (KALRO) to commercialize BT Maize which is resistant to pests and army worms that have been frustrating farmers over the years.
This is because through modern technology and research, KALRO has managed to come up with the BT maize that is resistant to pests and this will help increase production of maize in the country.
Muchiri noted that they plan to analyze the comments and address the concerns with KALRO before a final decision is made.
He also assured Kenyans that if science indicates the BT maize is not safe then the authority will not approve its release.
“As NBA, it is our role to ensure that as technology is taken to farmers, it must also be safe and safety assessment is ensuring the BT maize before going into the market is safe to humans, animals and the environment,” disclosed Muchiri.
He emphasized the importance of a scientifically informed decision without politicizing it as is the norm with politicians.
Muchiri further urged Kenyans and farmers to dismiss misconceptions on GMO as they will ensure the safety of the maize before its release into the market in the next two years.
One of the participants, a farmer from Kalama sub county Immaculate Kamene, said that from the information she got from NBA, she is ecstatic and looks forward to the release of the BT maize which will solve the production and financial challenges she has been enduring.
Immaculate, who has acres of maize, beans and also keeps livestock, said she has expectations of higher and better yields with the expected introduction of the BT maize to the market since army worms and pests have been frustrating her efforts for years leading to losses and low production.
By Anne Kangero
