Kenya lifts ban on genetically modified crops in response to drought

Kenyan farmer Bernard Mbithi uproots a field where he was growing maize that failed because of a drought in Kilifi county, Kenya. 2022. Source: Reuters/Baz Ratner

For the last four seasons, the annual rains have failed across Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia, forcing 1.5 million people to flee their homes in search of food and water elsewhere.

A statement issued by President William Ruto's office after he chaired a cabinet meeting described lifting the ban as part of responses to the drought. Cultivation and importation of genetically modified white maize is now authorised.

"Cabinet vacated its earlier decision of 8th November 2012 prohibiting the open cultivation of genetically modified crops and the importation of food crops and animal feeds produced through biotechnology innovations, effectively lifting the ban on genetically modified crops," the statement read.

No perfect solution: Africa's smallholder farmers must use both traditional and new practices

Ratemo Michieka  7 Feb 2022

Expert reports considered

It said Kenya's cabinet had considered expert and technical reports on biotechnology, including by United Nations agencies the World Health Organization and Food and Agriculture Organization, in making its decision.

The cabinet decision comes after one in 2019 to approve the commercialisation of a genetically enhanced variety of cotton that is resistant against African bollworm.