Kenya has completed national performance trials (NPTs) for genetically modified (GM) cassava, the national regulator has announced.
National Biosafety Authority (NBA) acting Director Technical Services Josphat Muchiri disclosed that the Cassava varieties are now awaiting commercialization.
The Authority is mandated to exercise general supervision and control over the transfer, handling and use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) with a view to ensuring safety of human and animal health and the provision of adequate protection of the environment.
The disease-resistant to the Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD), which causes browning and malformation of the edible roots and drought-tolerant genetically modified (GM) varieties, were developed by Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Institute (KALRO). The national performance trials (NPTs) were conducted in Mtwapa, Kandara, and Alupe and aims to boost yields and food security before full commercial release in Kenya and Uganda
Mr. Muchiri also disclosed that Bt cotton was commercialized in 2020 and at the moment approximately 10,000 acres have been cultivated in Eastern, Central, Western and Nyanza regions while Bt maize was approved for commercialisation in 2025, however, High Court Conservatory orders for commercialization are in place.
The acting director further explained that Bt. Maize varieties that are genetically modified to resist the maize stalk borer (and fall army worm) pests while Bt. Cotton: Cotton varieties that are genetically modified to resist the cotton bollworm pest.
He added that Cassava that is genetically modified to resist the cassava brown streak Disease (CBSD) Soya-bean that is genetically modified for herbicide tolerance while drought tolerant maize varieties are genetically modified to withstand drought (water stress).
Some of the GM-approved animals are GM Mosquito in USA and Brazil
GM Glo fish (ornamental purposes) in USA and Canada and Salmon fish in USA and Canada
Muchiri added that research and development on GMOs in Kenya are taking place at Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Kenyatta University, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) and Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology.
He revealed that the Authority’s mandate is set to include Biosecurity as a matter of national security noting that the Authority is currently reviewing a National Security Biosafety Act which will cover both biosafety and biosecurity.
The review, Muchiri said will cover emerging technologies such as genome editing, synthetic biology, and gene-drive technologies, which are potential security risks.
“National Biosafety Authority already acts as frontline defence in various border entry points. The Authority has been conducting border patrols at key entry points to prevent entry of unauthorised GMOs,” he added.
He went on, “In line with this, quarterly market surveillance and intelligence-based surveillance is done in shops and agro-dealers to ensure that no unauthorised product has infiltrated the country through the porous border points and which has helped the country monitor and manage the biological products circulating within its borders.”
