According to recent reports, the Kenyan Government is looking to allow the importation of duty-free Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) Maize as well as non-Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) Maize into the country in a bid to tackle the current food shortage issue.
The Investments, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary (CS); Moses Kuria made it known through his official Twitter account that the Kenyan Government will be signing the documents necessary for permitting the importation of said produce in the coming six (6) months.
The news is coming after the government back in October of 2022, moved to repeal the prohibition on the cultivation and importation of Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) animal feeds and crops that was put in place in 2012.
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It is believed that the decision was made in order to tackle the current food scarcity situation in the country following the recent drought period.
The move to remove the ban on Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) produce was carried out after a Cabinet meeting at the State House that was overseen by President William Ruto.
The Cabinet has in addition, approved the importation and cultivation of White Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) Maize. A part of the disapatch from State House stated that, “Cabinet considered a broad array of proposals touching on climate change adaptation.”
Since November of 2012 the East African nation of Kenya has refused to carry out any cultivation or importation of Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) food produce especially with year on year concerns over the overall safety of Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) food produce.
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Some observers however, see the new decision by the Kenyan Government as “long overdue” and the needed solution for effectively battling the food scarcity and drought situation in Kenya.
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The National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) revealed that a total of 942,000 children are malnourished, and more than four (4) million people are currently food starved.
The approval of the cultivation and importation of Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) food produce in Kenya, ends a ban on biotechnology foods into the country. Said ban lasted for a total on ten (10) years.
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