The approval for commercialisation of genetically modified maize now lies with the Cabinet after scientists concluded field trials and handed the report to the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (Kephis) for registration.
The acting chief executive officer of the National Biosafety Authority (NBA), Roy Mugiira said a Cabinet memo was prepared early this year [and is] now awaiting approval.
Dr Mugiira said the final decision will be made by the Cabinet given that the 2012 moratorium on importation and growing of GMO products is still in place.
The new request comes four years after former Health Cabinet secretary Cleopa Mailu turned down another request by the researchers to have the GM maize commercialised in the country.
So far Kenya has commercialised planting of GMO cotton, which is now running for the second year while the field trials for cassava have also been approved.
“The fate of commercialisation of the GMO maize now lies with the cabinet, which has to give concurrence on whether to approve or not,” said Dr Mugiira.
