The government lifts ban on GMO products.
The government lifts ban on GMO products, this will allow for cultivation of GMO crops.
The ban was initially in place for a review on genetically modified crops to be done; Former Public Health Cabinet Minister Beth Mugo explained that there were safety concerns on the GMOs.
The memo giving the directive stated that the ban was lifted after a scrutiny was done by a taskforce on Genetically modified foods and food products.
The memo read,”In fidelity with the guidelines of the National Biosafety Authority on all applicable international treaties including the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CPB), Cabinet vacated its earlier decision of 8th November, 2012 prohibiting the open cultivation of genetically modified crops and the importation of food crops and animal feeds produced through biotechnology innovations. The Cabinet has effectively lifted the ban on Genetically Modified Crops.”
The cabinet memo also stated that it was time for the country to redefine the agricultural sector.
The memo read,”The directive was issued following recommendations of Task Force to Review Matters Relating to Genetically Modified Foods and Food Safety, and in fidelity with the guidelines of the National Biosafety Authority (NBA) on all applicable international treaties including the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CPB).”
“Today’s Cabinet decision builds on it and also extends its benefits to other agricultural and manufacturing sectors,” The memo added
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