Debate on GMO food just noise for most Kenyans

The disquiet over imports of food made from crops developed by scientists using Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) masks the fact that most Kenyans have absolutely no idea what all the fuss is about.

This is certainly not for lack of interest, but because those engaged in shouting matches over the matter have kept the debate at such an elite level that the initials GMO are quickly assuming different meanings.

Perhaps it is in the interest of both the anti-GMO lobby and those pushing for the imports to keep thinking this way, because it ensures both sides get funding from their various sources.

Meanwhile, the big questions remain unanswered. What are the scientifically proven dangers of eating GMO food and planting genetically manipulated seeds?

Is there qualified research that has conclusively established links between GMO food and certain diseases or disorders in humans?

What measures if any has the Government put in place to ensure GMO seed and other imports are properly monitored and that the same does not contaminate crops?

What is the experience of India where none other than British monarch Prince Charles has linked increasing suicides by farmers and crop failure to GMO seeds?

Ivory tower

Is it morally right for the Government to put its citizens at risk by allowing them to eat food that may or may not be harmful to their health? It reminds one of the debate a couple of years ago over the health risks posed by eating chicken reared exclusively indoors on artificial feed full of growth hormones. No one really got to know the truth on that one either.

We are, therefore, saying the Government and all those currently involved in the GMO debate must come down from their ivory tower and communicate to the ordinary Kenyan. Without this, all they are engaged in is just noise.