Across the country, people have formed a negative attitude towards genetically modified organisms (GMO) based on unfounded claims that have been thrown around by politicians. Most Kenyans would rather sleep hungry than eat GM crops.
Researchers, on the other hand, are determined to fight this misinformation, saying biotechnology offers more good than harm to a food insecure country like Kenya.
In 2012, Kenya’s Cabinet banned the importation of GM maize, following a controversial study led by French scientist Gilles-Eric Séralini that linked consumption of GM foods to cancer in rats.
Dr [Martin] Mwirigi clarifies that the study was later debunked by further European research.
But in a fresh twist, in November last year, High Court Justice Mugure Thande suspended the importation of GMO crops and food into the country after two parties filed lawsuits.
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However, at the Court of Appeal, Justices Mohamed Warsame, Abida Ali-Aroni and John Mativo unanimously agreed that the AG had not convinced them that Kenyans will suffer if the orders issued by the High Court are not lifted.
As Kenya awaits the Supreme Court ruling on the issue, researchers have recoiled back to their safe space and familiar territory, the fields of research, because that is what they know best.
