Kenya to launch genetically modified maize

Kenya will soon see the launch of a genetically modified drought-tolerant and insect-resistant variety of maize, being developed under Kenya’s biosafety regulations.

Said to be safe for human and animal consumption, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation and African Agricultural Technology Foundation are the lead partners for developing the new WEMA Bt maize variety.

Performance trials are currently being carried out, with the decision on the launch of the product likely to be taken by November.

Standard Digital quoted the Agricultural Biotechnology Programme’s senior research fellow Joel Ochieng as saying that the partners working on the variety had already applied to the National Bio-safety Authority (NBA).

Ochieng further said that the use of the GM maize would eliminate the need for spraying insecticides, which will help reduce prices.

He also added that the variety would help in reducing the effect of the pest stem-borers.

Ochieng was quoted as saying: "We want a speedy approval by the NBA for the environmental release of the first ever GM maize variety in Kenya, which we believe, if endorsed, could see farmers reap the benefits of a more productive and resilient crop.

"Stem borers are known to reduce maize yield by an average of 13% (400,000t). Once this variety is commercialised, the battle against the stem borer will be brought to a halt, as this maize is resistant to attacks, making life easier for farmers who are unable to buy insecticides."

---

Image: The new variety will help reduce the price of maize. Photo: courtesy of Spedona.