Two experts on Wednesday mounted a strong defence of genetically modified (Bt) maize before the Kisumu High Court, arguing that its adoption is critical in enhancing food security and combating destructive pests that continue to threaten maize production in Kenya.
Appearing before Justice Joel Omido, Acting Director of Biosafety Awareness and Collaborations at the National Biosafety Authority (NBA), Josphat Muchiri, and agricultural scientist Dr. Stephen Mugo maintained that stringent safety measures had been undertaken before the approval of Bt maize for cultivation and commercialization.
Muchiri told the court that Bt maize underwent rigorous scientific and regulatory assessments before receiving approval, assuring Kenyans that the crop is safe for cultivation and consumption.
“We have the required regulatory framework in place, and that has been affirmed by the High Court in Nairobi that the Authority is up to the task,” Muchiri told the court.
He added that the National Biosafety Authority has conducted extensive public awareness campaigns across the country to educate citizens on genetically modified crops and their benefits.
Dr. Mugo urged the court to dismiss a petition filed by activists seeking to block the open-field cultivation and commercialization of genetically modified maize (Zea mays), commonly known as Bt maize (MON 89034).
According to the scientist, conventional chemical methods used to control destructive pests such as stem borers and fall armyworms are increasingly costly and pose significant risks to human health, livestock, and the environment. He noted that excessive pesticide use has also contributed to the development of pest resistance.
The Bt maize variety, approved by the National Biosafety Authority in 2025, was developed through modern biotechnology to protect itself against maize stem borers and fall armyworms, two of the most devastating pests affecting maize production.
The National Biosafety Authority is mandated to regulate the transfer, handling, and use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Kenya to safeguard human and animal health while ensuring environmental protection.
Dr. Mugo told the court that adoption of Bt maize would significantly reduce crop losses, improve yields, enhance grain quality, and lower production costs by reducing reliance on insecticides.
He cited the growing threat posed by fall armyworms across Africa, noting that the pest affects nearly 10 million smallholder maize farmers. A recent report indicated that about a quarter of Kenya’s 2.9 million hectares under maize cultivation was infested by fall armyworms in 2017, resulting in losses exceeding 134,000 metric tonnes of maize valued at more than USD 30 million.
“There is an urgent need to address the menace of the fall armyworm in different parts of Africa because of its threat to maize production and food security,” he said.
The scientist also dismissed claims that Bt maize contains harmful bacteria. He explained that some genetically modified maize varieties contain specific genes derived from naturally occurring soil bacteria, enabling the plants to produce proteins that target insect pests without affecting humans or livestock.
“These proteins have defined biochemical activities relevant to insect pests and are not active against human and livestock digestive systems,” Dr. Mugo stated.
He further clarified that adoption of genetically modified maize remains voluntary, emphasizing that farmers are free to choose between GM maize, hybrid varieties, improved seeds, or indigenous seed varieties.
The Bt maize application was jointly submitted to the National Biosafety Authority by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) and the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF).
The hearing of the case is set to continue on Thursday, June 4, 2026.
