The imports of genetically modified maize has been sharply criticised by an environmental group.
Greenpeace Africa campaign director said on Friday: “The decision by the Kenyan Government is short-sighted and irresponsible.”

Ms Olivia Langhoff added: “The government should invest in ecological farming and support local farmers, especially small-scale ones.”

Greenpeace charges that allowing GM maize can lead to seed contamination. “If maize imports are critical in the immediate term, food should be from sources as close to the areas affected by famines as possible.”

Kenya on July 1 became the fourth African country to permit genetically modified crop imports, joining South Africa, Egypt and Burkina Faso. Those who support the imports say it is essential to stabilise prices and feed millions of Kenyans.

Separately, a US-based food research organisation is warning that Kenya’s pastoralists could see their grazing land given over to Western corporations for cultivation of biofuel.

Mr Richard Jonasse, a leader of the Institute for Food and Development Policy, cites a report last year that 502,000 hectares have been leased for potential production of jatropha (oil seed).

“While jatropha is a drought-tolerant species, this does not mean that it grows on unused land,” Mr Jonasse writes.

“Taking away this grazing land would have a tremendous impact on these herders, linking their very existence to volatile commodities markets in the economic capitals of Europe and North America,” he said.

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