The Nation reports that a University of Nairobi scientist, Gideon Nyamasyo and Imenti North MP differed over whether Kenya should adopt genetically modified crops to counter food shortage. In supporting the recently passed Biosafety Bill 2008, the lecturer said adopting GMO technology was the only way Kenya could free herself from the prevailing hunger. He believes that Kenyans lacked awareness on the importance of GMOs largely because personal interests have overshadowed proper debate.
However, the MP dismissed the lecturer’s suggestions, saying Kenyans would be put at risk if the technology was adopted. The MP was of the view that only a few people would benefit if the Biosafety Bill 2008 becomes law as only those who are financially able will control the seed sector.
The Biosagety Bill 2008 seeks to establish a National Biosafety Authority to regulate activities in genetically modified organism. The Bill further aims to facilitate research into and minimize the risks that may be posed by GMOs. According to information on the Parliament’s website, the Bill was passed 9th December 2008 and is only waiting for assent by the President to become law.
THE ARTICLE IS OK. AM DOING A DISSERTATION ON GENETICALLY MODIFIED CROPS AND I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW THE G.M.O BILL WAS INITIATED FROM 2005 AND THE JOURNEY IT HAS TAKEN IN PARLIAMENT UNTIL ITS PENDING ASSENT YO BEING LAW.
ReplyDeleteLINDA MILIMU.MOI UNIVERSITY ELD
Although GMo technology is perceived as a solution to the global food insecurity,i must agree that the proffessor comments, "GMO technology as the only way for Kenya to free itself from the prevailing hunger" missed the mark. Kenya's agricultural problems are multifaced. More over, hunger and poverty issues could barely be solved by such a single GMO approach. In fact, the Kenyan economy is largely dependent on the European market, which apparently opposes unlabeled gmo products. The Bio-safety bill does not feature labeling concerns. Not forgeting the likely unexpected health implications due to the alteration of genes, yet to be confirmed through extensive research. Do we have the capacity to deal with the unexpected changes in our environment, health and seed security to farmers. Let's face it, this is a new deal for us Kenyans. However, more research needs to be done by our own scientists such as KARI to protect farmers and consumers from multinaltional companies such as Mosanto which are likely to exploit them through monopolly of food and seeds.
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