Is GMO maize an innovation or a risk to health and farmers?

Justus Suchi dries maize at Elukaka village in Butere.[File, Standard]

The Environmental and Lands Courts, led by Justice Oscar Angote, made a landmark decision in October 2023, allowing the reintroduction of Genetically Modified (GM) maize, specifically BT maize, into Kenya's food chain. This development warrants careful consideration.

From a nutritional standpoint, I am concerned about the potential health, environmental, and socio-economic implications of this decision. While supporters argue that GM crops could address food insecurity and improve agricultural efficiency, a closer examination of evidence from countries like the United States and Europe raises crucial questions about potential risks and long-term effects. Moreover, the organizations driving the legalization and cultivation of these crops raise ethical concerns that must not be overlooked.