CS Kuria: Gov't to allow import of duty-free GMO maize for six months

Trade, Investment, and Industry Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has announced that the government will allow the importation of duty-free Genetically Modified (GMO) and non-GMO maize for the next six months.

Kuria made the announcement on Thursday, saying the move is aimed at mitigating the nationwide food shortage caused by the ongoing drought.

“In view of the food situation in the country, I shall be signing instruments to allow duty free imports of GMO and non GMO Maize for the next 6 months,” the CS said in tweet.

The Cabinet earlier this month lifted a ban on the importation and planting of genetically modified crops and animal feeds that had been in effect since 2012, allowing the open cultivation and importation of white (GMO) maize.

In reversing the 10-year-old ban, the Cabinet sought refuge on food security and raging drought to introduce fast-growing crops, drought and pest resistant food and animal crops to address the phenomena.

The move has however elicited mixed reactions from Kenyans, with opposition leader Raila Odinga filing a petition to block the cabinet decision.

In the petition, Odinga argues that would threaten food security in the country as it posed a danger to peasant farmers.

The decision, according to the former prime minister, exposes the country to foods and crops not tested in the country, that in fact it opens a floodgates against regulations that the 2012 ban on GMO imposed.