Kenya Agricultural Biotechnology Annual 2014
Genetic engineering (GE) product development remains at confined field trials (CFTs) in Kenya for cotton, corn, cassava, sorghum and sweet potato. Commercial release of Bt cotton may take longer than anticipated due to the current import ban on GE products. Plans are underway to develop cattle resistant to trypanosomiasis, livestock recombinant vaccines, and livestock disease diagnostic kits. Trade in GE foods and food aid shipments remains a challenge due to the import ban imposed in November 2012, combined with stringent regulations that require mandatory labeling and a lengthy approval process (90-150 days). Kenyan consumers receive both positive and negative messaging on GE products depending on the source. Therefore, further modern biotechnology awareness and educational campaigns need to continue.
