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FOOD: Kenya has joined the league of world producers of genetically modified (GM) cassava, a milestone researchers say will largely contribute to the country’s effort to achieve food nutrition and security and poverty reduction.

Last week, Kenya National Biosafety Authority (NBA) approved the environmental release of GM cassava event 4046, which is resistant to cassava brown streak disease (CBSD).

The disease-resistant crop was developed by Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (Kalro).  Prof Dorington Ogoyi, NBA’s chief executive, said the board approved the application on June 18, following necessary review in accordance with the country’s Biosafety Act.

Field trial

Scientiosts at Kalro scientists have been developing CBSD-resistant cassava varieties using event 4046 under regulated confined field trial conditions authorised by NBA.

The approval paves way for conducting national performance trials of the varieties before registration and release to farmers.  

Production of cassava is expected to increase once the crop is released to the farmers.

Director General of Kalro Eliud Kireger said the decision was arrived at following a rigorous and thorough review, taking into account food, feed, and environmental safety assessment as well as consideration of socio-economic issues.

“The review process also factored public comments for 30 days, in line with the Kenyan constitution that calls for public participation,” he said. 

Kireger added, “This is a welcome decision and a significant step to getting disease-resistant cassava into the hands of Kenyan farmers to address food security challenges.

We thank the NBA and all those who participated in the review for their diligent consideration of the Application.”