Small holder farmers in Machakos, Makueni and Kitui counties on Wednesday urged the government not to commercialise BT maize.
The farmers also called for continued ban on the importation of genetically modified products.
In a press statement read on behalf of the farmers by Josephat Munyasya from Kitui County at a Machakos hotel, the farmers stated that importation and consumption of GMO products poses multiple risks to the country including voiding the local crop varieties.
The farmers also called for the government to arm local farmers with relevant information concerning GMO maize stating that Kenyans have the constitutional right to be informed about the adoption of genetically engineered food meant for their consumption.
“The constitution is clear in article 46 sub-articles (b) and (c) on consumer rights that include the right to information necessary for them to gain full benefit from goods and services and to the protection of their health, safety and economic interests,” Munyasya said.
Besides, the Bio-safety Act (2009) in article 50 of the constitution provides for regulations for handling, transporting and labelling of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO), he articulated.
The announcement further stated that the farmers, just like most other Kenyans, may face a serious health risk if BT maize varieties are introduced into the country because majority of them mainly feed on ugali, uji and githeri (all from maize).
“Indeed, a report done by Global Medicine in 2011 showed there are 82,000 new cases of cancerous infections that claim an approximated 18,000 lives annually. We therefore urge the health ministry as well as Kenya Medical Research Institute (Kemri), universities and individual scientists to undertake a thorough research and establish the genesis of this cancer epidemic,” the farmers said.
The small holder farmers also called for the government to put in place and implement comprehensive labelling standard regulations to ensure that Kenyans are aware of the kind of agricultural products they consume.
The farmers’ reaction comes after Deputy President William Ruto recently stated that the government is contemplating lifting the ban on GMO products.