President Kibaki has finally assented to the Biosafety Act 2008, paving the way for the commercialization of modern biotechnology products or genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Kenya.
Although the anti-GMO campaigners, mainly civil society organizations, will be disappointed with the President’s decision, scientists and other pro-GMO proponents have commended the President, noting that the move was long overdue.
However, the next hurdle for proponents of modern biotechnology products or GMOs will be the establishment of a National Biosafety Authority, to regulate modern biotechnology as provided for under the Act.
The Act, which was enacted in accordance with the precautionary principle, aims at ensuring an adequate level of protection in safe transfer, handling and use of GMOs resulting from modern biotechnology that may have an adverse effect on the environment.
It also aims to establish a transparent and predictable process to review and make decisions on GMO related issues, for instance, accepting or rejecting applications for introduction, importation, growing or trading in genetically engineered products.
However, the Act does not cover GM products in the pharmaceutical industry.
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