Kenyan students promise demonstrations if GMO ban not lifted

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Students from five public universities have threatened to usher in the New Year with massive nationwide protests if the Jubilee administration fails to reverse the ban on genetically modified food products.

University student leaders yesterday said the ban is hurting learners undertaking biotechnology courses….

. . . .

They accused the government and the National Environment Management Authority of derailing scientific research in the food industry in failing to lift the GMO ban.

“We must support local institutions ready to produce GMO foods to reduce the country’s over-reliance on imports. This will create jobs and enhance food security,” [Babu Owino (University of Nairobi)] said.

. . . .

The National Assembly Agriculture Committee early this month upheld the GMO ban imposed by the Health ministry on grounds that no product have been tested by the National Biosafety Authority to establish if the food is safe for human consumption.

The students, however, termed the committee’s decision a plot by MPs to frustrate local production of GMOs for cartels to continue importing food.

[Towett Ng’etich (Moi University)] warned that they will not sit back and watch as multinational companies dominate the Kenyan market with GMO products sold at high prices.

The GLP aggregated and excerpted this blog/article to reflect the diversity of news, opinion and analysis. Read full, original post: University students threaten demos over GMO ban

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