Revisiting the legal debate on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in Africa: Which way for Kenya?
Kenya
Nov 20, 2023
This paper examines the status of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Africa, with a specific focus on Kenya, and explores the regulatory frameworks and approaches employed in various African countries. It discusses the experimental phase, resistance, and regulatory reforms that have shaped the GMO landscape in Africa. The paper analyzes international and regional treaty instruments, including the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Cartagena Biosafety Protocol, and their implications for GMO regulation. Furthermore, it provides a comparative analysis of GMO approaches in selected African countries, such as Uganda, South Africa, Cameroon, Ghana, and Zambia. The proposed way forward for Kenya's regulation of GMOs is discussed, highlighting the merits of a precautionary approach, the incorporation of socioeconomic considerations, institutional independence, public participation, and the essential role of access to information. This paper offers insights into the complex and evolving field of GMO regulation in Africa, providing a comprehensive overview of key issues and considerations.
Author(s): Sang, M.
Published in: Journal of cmsd