News
MP and don clash over technology
Posted Thursday, January 15 2009 at 21:16
A scientist and an MP on Thursday clashed over whether Kenya should adopt genetically modified crops to counter the rising food shortage.
University of Nairobi lecturer Gideon Nyamasyo said the only way Kenya could free herself from the pangs of hunger was to adopt genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
“We should open our gates so that Kenyans can benefit,” said Dr Nyamasyo at the launch of the Intellectual Property Initiative project at Norfolk Hotel, Nairobi.
He said Kenyans lacked awareness on the importance of GMOs because the campaign had been driven by a few personal interests.
However, Imenti North MP Silas Muriuki dismissed the lecturer’s suggestions, saying Kenyans would be put at risk if the technology was adopted.
He blamed the food shortage on the Ministry of Agriculture, accusing it of failing to advise farmers on new farming methods. Mr Muriuki said only a few people would benefit if the President signs the Biosafety Bill 2008 into law.
“Only those who are financially able will control the seed sector,” he said.
Some conditions
“The Bill says farmers cannot access these seeds until they fulfil some conditions ... this is rather questionable and those advocating for it should be sincere to tell us what they are up to.”
He said Kenyans should also be wary of side effects of GMOs since the Bill was silent on the issue. Mr Muriuki said President Kibaki should heed the pleas of Kenyans and take the Bill back to MPs for amendment.
The Bill seeks to bring Kenya’s regulatory framework in line with the Catagena Protocol on Biosafety. The aim is to ensure safe transfer, handling and use of GMOs.
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Submitted by syindumyakiPosted January 16, 2009 06:32 PM
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Submitted by jogulla
problem in kenya is we spend too much time looking for the best. lets start doing something, even if we do everything; build dams, check population, rethink rural settlements, embrace GMOs for those who want, ressetle IDPs, use smart technologies etc. Do something. stop fighting on whats the best
Posted January 16, 2009 06:28 PM -
Submitted by Dkimanzi
Yes yes yes! someone please address the issue of folks having too many kids, 2 is enough. The country doesn't have enough resources to feed all these extra heads. Plus the job crunch is going to be a lot tougher in the next ten years, so will crime. Address the causes of hunger first.
Posted January 16, 2009 04:39 PM -
Submitted by asma_756
SJ502, but I tell you - it will depends on who suggests the policy and what tribe they come from. This is Kenya of today - a good idea will be shot down if it is from the wrong side of the "fence". But I agree that a wholistic approach to Kenyans development should be put in place. These University dons are just doing consultancies, so GMO is just another possibility!!
Posted January 16, 2009 03:23 PM -
Submitted by gathoni
We do not need GMOs, what we need is better management of resources.
Posted January 16, 2009 03:03 PM
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yet again, parliament is going to pass into law the GMO bill when we hardly know what we are getting ourselves into. the health and ecological effects of this sort of foods are still subject to debate. Can u educate p'ple first be4 u start killing them with gmo foods? how come the EU is still opposed to them? Lets look for better farming methods pls. Lets not embrace foods whose side effects we dont know yet. these quick fix solutions can b costly!