Kenya a step closer to using GM technology

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Agriculture assistant minister Kareke Mbiuki (centre) listens as African Agricultural Technology Foundation's Mpoko Bokanga (right), addresses the press during the opening of the first All Africa Congress on Biotechnology at a Nairobi hotel on Monday. Looking on is Agriculture Secretary Dr Wilson Songa. Photo/STEPHEN MUDIARI 

By GATONYE GATHURA 

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Posted Monday, September 22 2008 at 21:23

The Government has taken the first step towards adopting biotechnology in agricultural production by preparing guidelines on how to handle genetically modified applications.

According to the head of the National Council for Science and Technology, Prof Shaukat Abdulrazak, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology will on Thursday launch a strategy paper explaining the benefits of the technology to the public.

Fast-track

Agriculture minister William Ruto on Monday said he would ensure the long delayed Biosafety Bill is passed.

"We have done enough lobbying to ensure that this time the Bill is passed," said Mr Ruto in a speech read on his behalf by an assistant minister in his docket, Mr Japhet Kareke Mbiuki, at an All-Africa Congress on Biotechnology.

"My desire is for all African countries to adopt an enabling policy for the development and application of biotechnology. This will fast-track the integration of Africa in the global bioeconomy," said the minister.

This is the third time in as many months that Mr Ruto has called for the adoption of biotechnology and yesterday he got backing from the African Union.

Ms Rhoda Tumusiime of the AU said the Assembly of the African Heads of State and Government had called for adoption of a common position on genetic engineering.

"This indicates the commitment by African leaders that GM technology may as well be one of the tools that will resolve the continent's agricultural constraints," Ms Tumusiime told the delegates.

Surprised

A month ago, a report by a high-level African panel on modern biotechnology, led by Kenya's Prof Calestus Juma, called for the speedy adoption of GM technology and soon after, Comesa produced a similar report.

If and when the technology is adopted, Kenyans will be surprised at how much GM research has been going on in the country, especially on aloe vera, maize, sweet potatoes, rice, sorghum, forestry and even on livestock, most of which will be discussed at the five-day event.

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