The controversial debate on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) seems far from over. International scientists participating in a major conference on Biotechnology in Nairobi have called for better policies and laws if the country is to reap maximum benefits from the sector.
This comes as Health Cabinet Secretary James Macharia is expected to release an official report by a task force on Genetically Modified Crops and the policies that the country needs to adopt towards them.
Meeting under the auspices of the International Consortium on Applied Bio economy Research (ICABR), the scientists expressed concerns that absence of clear policies on the contributions of biotechnology to economies has largely impeded development.
ICABR President Carl Pray said there is a lot of uncertainty in the regulatory environment, leaving many scientists unsure of what biotech research and products are allowed or not in the country
Food security
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Felix Koskei said that biotechnology is increasingly becoming the basis for the integrated bio-based economy by contributing to food security, nutritional quality, food safety and renewable energy.
“Bio-based industries such as agriculture, food, bio-energy and bio-based chemicals are playing an increasing role in the growth of developing countries. With growing populations and changing climate, technologies to boost agriculture cannot be ignored,” said Koskei in a speech read on his behalf by Fisheries Principal Secretary Japheth Ntiba.
Koskei said that with a population that grows at about a million a year combined with agricultural productivity that is below potential and with limited arable land, Kenya is faced with critical challenges to food security and that the situation could be saved by biotechnology.
The CS, however, noted that bio-technologies in various areas such as hybrid seeds, fertiliser, biofuels and genetic engineering are still controversial in developing and developed countries. He called for more discussions on the same to resolve the sticking issues
Regarding safety concerns that many Kenyans hold against biotechnology products, Prof Pray said there has been much demonisation by civil society groups. He, however, noted the products are safe if proper scientific procedure are followed.
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