Parliament has agreed to fast track the review of some laws including Plant Varieties Act, Biosafety Act and the Intellectual Property Rights Act.

The move comes as various stakeholders called on the National Assembly Committee on Agriculture to review the three laws in order to protect farmers, consumers and research scientists’ rights.

However, ahead of today’s closure of the workshop hosted by the National Assembly Committee on Agriculture, scientists are divided on whether the government should import Genetically Modified maize; either for consumption or cultivation.

Some said, this is the reason they are calling for totally new laws to regulate the agriculture sector, which they claimed has been captive if multinationals out to make profits.

Kenyan consumers

Sabina Chege, a member of the Committee confirmed that after today’s session, members will start fast tracking review of those particular acts.

“Immediately after this session, we shall engage the stakeholders so that then what needs to be reviewed in terms of law shall be our priority as the Committee,” she told People Daily last evening.

She said the need to review the acts is urgent for the benefits of Kenyan consumers, farmers and those that are involved in various research programmes.

“We shall do it as soon as possible,” she added.

She maintained her stand on the lifting of the ban on GMOs agreeing with some stakeholders that it’s mainly for commercial reasons and not food security as being argued by those for the importation.

“Anything to do with food security has no shortcuts; either to enrich a few individuals or to introduce maize that’s coming to Kenya, it won’tbe allowed,” she said.