Kenya Launches National Biotechnology Awareness Strategy

The government of Kenya has launched a National Biotechnology Awareness Strategy (BioAWARE-Kenya) aimed at improving public understanding and awareness of biotechnology through dissemination of accurate, timely and balanced information to catalyze informed decision making. The six-year (2008-2013) strategy was developed through a participatory process involving public, private and voluntary organizations. In Africa, only South Africa has such a national strategy.

Speaking during the launch which was attended by over 300 stakeholders, Agriculture Minister William Ruto underscored the importance of biotechnology in achieving food security, improving health and protecting the environment. He called for caution while implementing the strategy because “communication is like the carpenter’s hammer. If used properly, it can drive the nail into the wood, but if used carelessly, it can harm the thumb of the user. Thus communication can repair or destroy.”

The minister cautioned against using cheap propaganda to undermine the country’s efforts to establish necessary legal and institutional infrastructure for responsible application of biotechnology for national development. “We should remind ourselves that the debates must be considered in the context of the country’s dire need for more and cheaper foods. We must refrain from cheap propaganda and embrace science-based dialogue.”

For more information, contact Daniel Otunge of ISAAA AfriCenter at  d.otunge@cgiar.org.