Lifting ban on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) will lower the cost of animal feeds

MICHAEL OMONDI-KNA

The lifting of the ban on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and their derived products will reduce the cost of animal feeds in the country and consequently reduce the cost of milk production, the National Biosafety Authority (NBA) has said.

Consequently, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Dr. Andrew Karanja said there is a need to enhance monitoring and enforcement of the quality feed and raw materials in the market. He said this when he released the Kenya Dairy Board Cost of Milk Production 2024 Report in Nairobi.

Speaking on the same issue, NBA Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Nehemiah Ngetich stated that the Authority is ready to receive and process applications for environmental release and placing on the market of GMOs commodities in collaboration with other regulatory agencies.

Ngetich said research on GMOs will continue, noting that this aspect had not been affected by the ban on GMOs which has since been lifted.

“Applications for importation and transit of GMOs can be processed by the Authority. All applications shall be processed in accordance with provisions of Biosafety Act and Biosafety Regulations,” the acting CEO said.

He explained that the Biosafety Act requires approval to place on the market and another approval to import as dealers are required to get written approval from the Authority before importing a genetically modified organism.

Importers, according to Ngetich, are required to register with the National Biosafety Authority in the prescribed manner by completing and submitting an online application for placement on the market of GMOs and derived products.

“If approved, the approval for placing on the market is for a period not exceeding 10 years for the same commodity and exclusive to the applicant. If rejected, the applicant is informed of the reasons,” added Ngetich.

The acting CEO reassured the general public that Kenya has a regulatory framework, which provides for a streamlined process for companies and organizations seeking to import GMOs and their derived products and outlines specific application requirements, safety assessments, and monitoring measures.

“This procedure aligns with Kenya’s commitment to food safety, environmental safeguards and the economic welfare of its citizens,” he maintained.

Kenya is a signatory to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety having ratified it in 2003, and domesticated by the National Biotechnology Development Policy of 2006, the Biosafety Act of 2009 and the National Biosafety Authority.

The protocol is part of the global convention on biological diversity (CBD) and provides a framework for the utilization of biotechnology, while also recognizing the potential risks that may be posed by the new technologies.