150 states back Kenya on GMOs
FILE | NATION. Farmers protest against genetically modified crops in Nairobi in the past. More than 150 countries yesterday adopted an agreement supported by Kenya on the safety of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
More than 150 countries on Tuesday adopted an agreement supported by Kenya on the safety of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Meeting in Nagoya, Japan, the members of the Cartagena Protocol agreed on means to ensure safe handling, transport and use of the genetically modified organisms.
Higher Education, Science and Technology minister William Ruto said Kenyan delegates had to go into intense lobbying to have its position adopted by the signatories to the protocol.
“It is our position that each country be allowed to deal with liability and redress issues concerning GMO according to the laws of that particular country,” he said.
He added that the new agreement would be instrumental in ensuring food security, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Mr Ruto spoke as the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (Nepad) pledged to support Kenya in her quest to develop and commercialise biosafety technology.
He said he would soon be gazetting guidelines on how to set up standards for use of GMO technology in Kenya to promote early maturing, disease and pest free crops for arid and semi-arid areas.
African Union programme officer Betty Kiplagat said that Nepad was pleased with Kenya’s willingness to promote science and technology in combating social and economic problems.
