GMO maize to boost food sufficiency, says Industrialisation Principal Secretary Wilson Songa

Kenya could become self-sufficient in its staple grain, maize, once the cultivation of Genetically Modified Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) maize is approved.

Hinting on the possibility expected to come with the anticipated commercialisation of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in Kenya, Industrialisation Principal Secretary Wilson Songa said an average 400,000 tonnes that amounts to 13 per cent of maize production is lost to the stem borer pest annually.

"The Bt gene that naturally protects plants from stock borers and ball worms in the case of cotton will forestall the loss that regrettably is equivalent to Kenya's normal annual maize imports in the current dispensation," said Dr Songa during the official opening of the green growth consultative meeting on biotechnology with Government Technical officers at a Nairobi hotel yesterday.

He said research had established that the Bt gene produces a protein that cannot be digested by the destructive stem borer insects while it is harmless to humans.

"In addition, Bt maize reduces the need for frequent drenching with expensive chemical sprays that are harmful to humans and the environment," noted Songa.

The PS (pictured) pointed out that Kenya currently produces an average of 1.6 tonnes per hectare of maize as compared to the global average of 5.0 tonnes. "I am reliably informed by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation that Bt maize varieties recorded a yield increase of 3.7 tonnes per hectare above the best commercial hybrid used in the trials, proof enough that we can attain the global average" he said.

He added: "For Kenya, the need for modern technologies has never been greater. As demonstrated in other countries, biotechnology can help not only farmers, but consumers and the environment as well.

He described Bt technology as "one that offers enormous opportunity to our country's quest for food security, poverty eradication and economic development".

"By taking an evidence-based approach to biotech policy and regulatory decisions, we can improve millions of lives at home and set an invaluable precedent for the region and the continent," said Songa.

Present at the meeting were director of research in the Ministry of Science and Technology George Omabkho and representatives from African Agricultural Technology Fund, Kenya Agricultural and livestock Research Organisation and International Maize and Wheat improvement Centre.