As the world marks World Food Safety Day, scientists, policymakers, farmers, the media, and the members of the Kenyan public participated in a national dialogue where experts called for the nation to shift from emotionally driven discussions on the safety of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and instead engage in evidence-based conversations as the country faces worsening food insecurity driven by climate change.
At the event organized by The International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA AfriCenter), Kenya National Academy of Sciences (KNAS), The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), The National Biosafety Authority (NBA), and The Africa Science Dialogue (AfriSD) experts focused on how biotechnology could assist Kenya in developing resilience and reform its agricultural and food systems.
Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Science, Research, and Innovation urged stakeholders to combat the misinformation on Agricultural biotechnology that is prevalent among the Kenyan public, as they hinder the solutions to the growing food insecurity.
“For far too long, the debate surrounding GMOs has been clouded by misinformation, half-truths, and at times, deliberate falsehoods. These narratives have often centered on safety concerns, resulting in widespread fear and mistrust. It is unfortunate that innovative solutions in agriculture are frequently treated with undue suspicion.”
In 2022, the Kenyan government lifted a ten year ban on GMO cultivation and importation, upholding the safety of GMOs this move however, reignited legal battles and public criticism, the issue is now pending before the Court of Appeal.
According to the National Drought Management Authority, approximately 1.8 million people in the arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) are food insecure. Over 500,000 children under the age of five and more than 100,000 pregnant women are affected by malnutrition, this underscores the urgent need for scalable solutions to food insecurity.
“To effectively confront these pressing challenges, it is important that we harness the full potential of science, technology, and innovation. From developing climate- resilient crops and enhancing early warning systems, to deploying smart water management solutions and improving nutrition through bio-fortified foods. Integrating these innovations into our national and local response strategies will not only build resilience in vulnerable communities but also accelerate sustainable development.”
Speaking during the National Dialogue on Biotech Foods and Planetary Health at the Kenya National Theatre, The Principal Secretary in the State Department for Agriculture, Dr. Paul Kiprono Ronoh, through the agriculture secretary Mr. Collins Marangu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting technologies that will improve the livelihood of Kenyans as ISAAA AfriCenter Director Dr Margaret Karembu spoke about the potential of biotechnologies.
“Agribiotech has been responsible for enhancement of food security and reduction of land use pressure, reduction of the risk of zoonotic diseases’ spread through improvement of poultry and livestock health (by improving feeds and development
of disease-resistant breeds) and reduction of human and wildlife conflict, promotion of sustainable agriculture and ecosystem health through reduced use of pesticides, and improvement of the biodiversity,” she said.
She expressed hope that the national dialogue will help alleviate fears reshape public understanding of GMOs,and foster stronger collaboration across sectors to address Kenya’s food and climate challenges.
