Debate on importation of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) maize importation has continued to draw mixed reactions with the safety of the foods as the bone of contention as a section of leaders from Kakamega County strongly condemn remarks by Trade Investment and Industrialization Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria about the maize.
Speaking in Sango ward, Likuyani Constituency, the leaders led by Likuyani MP Innocent Mugabe and Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula termed sentiments by Kuria as insensitive, reckless and unfortunate.
“Remarks by the CS that Kenyans will, after all, still die, as a justification for importation of genetically modified food stuff are careless and might land this country into a health crisis,” said the leaders adding that it was disappointing to hear such utterance coming from a leader who is supposed to offer sober guidance and direction as the country grapples with challenges of food insecurity.
Savula is of the view that the National Government should provide subsidized farm inputs to maize farmers to increase productivity of maize at a low cost than importing GMO maize that will later contribute to the country losing its wealth.
The Deputy Governor said maize farmers in the North of Kakamega, Rift Valley and Trans Nzoia County are ready to produce enough maize to avert hunger if the government gives subsidized fertilizer and seeds.
Savula further said the County Government will set up a maize milling plant in the North of Kakamega to avert post-harvest losses maize farmers incur after spending a fortune in their farms.
Likuyani legislator Innocent Mugabe who is also opposed to the importation of 10 million bags of GMO maize, said he will introduce a bill in the National Assembly that will compel the sale of maize through the cooperatives in an effort to avoid farmer exploitation
