In a bid to address the growing food insecurity issues in Kenya, religious leaders have urged for greater sensitization on genetically modified (GM) crops. The call for public education comes at a time when the country is set to begin cultivating and importing GM crops in early 2024, following the lifting of the ban on such crops earlier this year.
The religious leaders, under the umbrella of the Association of Pentecostal and Evangelical Clergy of Kenya (APECK), met with experts from the Kenya University Biotechnology Consortium (KUBICO) to discuss the importance of GM crops in tackling food insecurity. They acknowledged that one of the significant barriers to the adoption of new agricultural technologies, including GM crops, is the lack of information. Rev. Fredrick Ngugi, the National Chairman of APECK, emphasized the need for greater public education, particularly in the religious communities, to ensure that the introduction of GM crops is understood and embraced.
“We have been condemning GMOs without proper information,” said Ngugi during the meeting. “We have learnt that GMOs are not about introducing poison, but rather improving crops to resist diseases and pests, and to increase yield.” This statement highlights the growing realization that genetically modified crops are designed to address issues of crop diseases, pests, and yield reduction, rather than introducing harmful substances to the food chain.
Bishop John Chere, who serves as the Chair of APECK in Githunguri Sub-county, Kiambu County, spoke about the positive change in understanding following a training session on GMOs. He noted that the clergy are now better equipped to inform their congregants about the benefits and safety of GM crops. “We have been informed about the process, and we urge our fellow leaders, who have been vocal in condemning this technology, to unite in the fight against food insecurity,” Chere said. This appeal calls for unity in addressing the country’s growing food insecurity, with a particular focus on the role that GM crops can play in reducing food imports and increasing local production.
Dr. Joel Ochieng, a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Nairobi, emphasized the crucial role that the clergy can play in disseminating accurate information about GMOs. “The church is in a unique position to spread the truth because it is trusted by the masses and is not driven by hidden agendas,” said Dr. Ochieng. He noted that religious leaders have historically been successful in communicating complex issues to the public and can serve as key messengers in the national discourse on GM crops.
Furthermore, Prof. Richard Oduor, a Professor of Molecular and Cell Biology at Kenyatta University, pointed out that the discussions on GM technology have primarily been confined to political leaders, legal experts, and academics, often leaving out important community figures such as the clergy. He proposed that scientists should engage directly with religious leaders, who could then disseminate the information to a wider audience. “Scientists can communicate directly with religious leaders, who in turn can disseminate truthful information to a broader audience,” said Prof. Oduor.
The introduction of GM crops in Kenya follows a series of legal and regulatory steps. Earlier this month, the High Court dismissed several petitions challenging the lifting of the ban on GM crops, clearing the way for the cultivation and importation of GMOs. This ruling aligns Kenya with other African nations, such as Burkina Faso, Egypt, Eswatini, Malawi, Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, Sudan, and Zambia, that have already embraced GM crop cultivation.
The religious leaders’ call for increased sensitization reflects a broader concern about the lack of information surrounding GMOs. As Kenya prepares to roll out GM crop cultivation, there is a growing recognition that public education, especially through trusted community leaders like the clergy, will be critical to the success of this initiative. The clergy’s involvement could help dispel misconceptions and build public trust in GM technology, ultimately contributing to improved food security and reduced dependence on food imports.
As the government, universities, and scientists continue their work to promote GM crops, the involvement of the clergy could prove pivotal in ensuring that the benefits of this technology are fully understood and embraced by all sectors of society.
