The government will allow the importation of duty-free Genetically Modified Crops (GMO) and non-GMO maize for the next six months.
Investments, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary, Moses Kuria said in a statement that the move was intended to curb the food shortage crisis in the country.
“In view of the food situation in the country, I shall be signing instruments to allow duty free imports of GMO and non GMO maize for the next 6 months,” he stated.
The decision came by during a cabinet meeting chaired by President William Ruto who observed that the move was arrived to curb the ongoing drought, food security and a step towards redefining agriculture in the country by adopting crops that are resistant to pests and disease.
The reinstating of GMO crops was received with criticism from different organisations which resulted to the reluctance of importing the crops.
Several people however welcomed the move describing it as a long awaited solution for the drought situation in the country.
At least 23 counties in the country have been affected by drought with over four million people emaciated.
