State poised to allow GMOs, says Deputy President William Ruto

Kenya: Deputy President William Ruto has said reforms in the agricultural sector are necessary to improve production and enhance food security.

He said reforms in the sector were under way and introduction of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) was one of the measures that would be undertaken to boost food production in the face of the climate change.

 “The Government is planning to introduce them to boost food production that has over the years been compromised by diseases, pests and lack of sufficient rainfall,” said Ruto.

The DP further said that the Government was determined to reduce the cost of food production by, among others, reducing the cost of fertilisers and quality seeds to make them accessibility to all farmers.

He was responding to a request by Hugo Wood, an official with Cereal Growers Association, who argued that GMOs would reduce the cost of food production, tame diseases and pests.

Food hand-outs

Wood, a large-scale wheat and maize farmer in Narok, said introduction of GMOs would end perennial food shortages that have over the last three decades forced the Government to beg for food hand-outs.

“The Government should fast track its introduction. It will boost food security, end pests and diseases problems. There is no danger in Kenyans consuming genetically modified foods. It is a technology that has been embraced by the world,” he said.

Agnes Ndetei, the National Drought Management Authority chairperson, said because of rain failure, food availability in most parts of Narok County was dwindling and that the shortage would persist until August.