Public Should be Made Aware of GM Application and Benefits, says Kenyan Governor

The governor of Baringo County, Kenya, H.E Benjamin Cheboi has said that there is a gap between policy makers, scientists and the public on issues of biotechnology especially in the introduction of GM crops. "The lack of information on biotech issues leads to undermining its adoption in the country and yet, it holds great promise for all round economic development of any nation. It has become crucial for sustainable development in every biological sector including agriculture, forestry, medicine, and environment," he said.

Mr. Cheboi made these remarks in a speech read by his Deputy, H.E Mathew Tuitoek, at a biotechnology awareness seminar organized by the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology in Africa (OFAB), Kenya Chapter, in Kabarnet, Baringo County. The OFAB Kenya county event was attended by officials and members of the County Assembly.

Participants appreciated the seminar saying that it has increased their understanding on GM technology. They expressed the need to cascade the knowledge to others who were not able to attend. The County Secretary of Agriculture assured researchers of the county's support and promised to provide land for planting of Bt cotton once approved for environmental release.  Baringo County is exploring ways of reviving the cotton industry, a crop whose yields have declined substantially, due to production constraints.

For more information on the OFAB Kenya Chapter, contact Margaret Karembu at mkarembu@isaaa.org.