Biotechnology And Food Security In Kenya - An Assessment Of Public Concerns On Biosafety, Public Health And Religious Ethics.

Abstract

Aim: To determine the perceived public concerns on the introduction of maize related agrobiotechnology
 including genetically modified (GM) maize in Kenya specifically with regard to
 biosafety, public health and religious ethics.
 Study Design: Household survey.
 Place and Duration of Study: A small scale maize growing area in Githunguri Ward (Kiambu
 County), a large maize growing area in Moiben Ward (Uasin Gishu County) and a maize consuming
 area in Umoja 1 urban residential area in the City of Nairobi, from September to October 2015.
 Results: Most of the respondents were concerned about:- a) the likely contamination of
 conventional crops through cross pollination b) the likely harmful effects of biotechnology on
 valuable insects, c) the fear of unclear health implications including human sickness and death, and
 d) the inevitable interference with God’s creation of ordinary crops thus undermining God.
 Conclusion: There is significant public fear and concern on the introduction of GM crops in Kenya
 hence the need for increased public education and awareness.