NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya is on the brink of an agricultural advancement as the National Biosafety Authority (NBA) prepares to analyze public feedback on the market placement of genetically modified (GM) maize, commonly known as Bt maize.
This development brings farmers closer to cultivating this pest-resistant crop, pending final approval.
The NBA’s review process follows a public participation phase, conducted in counties such as Kakamega, Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, and Machakos, where citizens submitted feedback via online forms and hard copies.
Josphat Muchiri, acting director of Biosafety Research and Compliance at NBA, emphasized the thorough nature of the review.
“We are also consulting with agencies such as the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (Kephis), the National Environment Management Authority (Nema), the public health sector, and independent experts before making our final decision on the approval of Bt maize for market release,” Muchiri stated.
Bt maize, or MON 89034, developed by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (Kalro) in collaboration with the African Agricultural Technology Foundation, targets major pests like fall armyworms and maize stem borers that have long plagued Kenyan farmers.
While Kalro’s research shows promising results, the maize will not be distributed to farmers until the NBA’s approval is secured.
“A well-established legal, regulatory, and institutional framework governs the handling of GMOs and their derived products in Kenya,” Muchiri reassured the public.
The NBA’s move follows a court ruling by Justice Oscar Angote, who affirmed the safety of Bt maize, stating that the necessary safety protocols were observed.
Further steps, including Environmental Impact Assessments and National Performance Trials, will follow the public feedback analysis.
These stages will also involve additional public consultations, adhering to the Biosafety Act of 2009 requirements, which mandates public notification and engagement for GM product approvals.
