Scientists want ban on GM foods lifted

A group of scientists want the speedy lifting of a ban on importation of Genetically Modified (GM) foods.

Outlawing GM imports, the scientists attending the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) 10th anniversary at the ILRI Campus in Nairobi said, had slowed down research on alternative food production techniques.

The ban, they added, was sending wrong signals to donors and other development partners over the government’s commitment to biotechnology. Some are reluctant to fund an area that lacks political good will.

Dr Francis Nang’ayo, the regulatory affairs manager at AATF appealed to relevant government ministries to agree on a way forward and save the country the anxiety, following the ban that has been in force since November, last year.

Public Health minister Beth Mugo while announcing the ban said there was need to ascertain the safety of the GM imports, following a controversial study by French researchers that linked GM crops with cancer.

Public Health Cabinet Secretary James Macharia has since appointed a task force headed by Prof Kihumbu Thairu to advise the government on whether the ban should be lifted.

But, some scientists feel the government would be buying time with the matter, oblivious of its effects on the country’s efforts to adopt emerging technologies that can mitigate against adverse weather conditions that affect yields.

University of Nairobi lecturer, Dr Douglas Miano questioned why findings of a similar task force, formed almost a year ago have not been made public.

“The task force was expected to report on their findings within three months. Instead, another one has been formed to undertake the same mandate,” said Dr Miano.

Mr Kennedy Oyugi from the African Biotechnology Stakeholders Forum (ABSF) doubted the rationale for the ban.