• Kenya considers approval for GM cassava in 18 counties
• New varieties resist drought, viruses; boost yields, cut costs
• Legal freeze on GM crops continues amid court, public debate

The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (Kalro) has applied to the National Environment Management Authority (Nema) for approval to grow eight genetically modified cassava varieties in 18 counties. The move follows several years of laboratory trials.

A notice published in the Official Gazette on Oct. 16 confirmed the application and stated that Nema has released the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report and opened a 30-day public consultation period before issuing its final decision.

According to the EIA report, the GM cassava varieties were developed to resist drought, and two major viral diseases –African Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD) and Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD) – can wipe out up to 80% of yields. They also have a shorter growing cycle than conventional varieties.

Kalro says the new strains could raise yields and cut costs by reducing the use of pesticides and other crop treatments. Data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) show that Kenya’s cassava harvest averaged 918,770 tonnes between 2020 and 2023, with average yields of 13 tonnes per hectare.

Legal Uncertainty and Public Debate

The legal status of GM crops in Kenya remains unclear. In March 2025, the Court of Appeal froze the government’s 2022 decision to lift a ban on the import, cultivation, and sale of genetically modified products. The ruling followed a challenge by civil society groups, including the Kenya Peasants League, which raised constitutional, health, and environmental concerns.

Until the court issues a final verdict, importers and farmers are barred from growing or trading GM products, and the National Biosafety Authority (NBA) cannot approve new applications.

Amid growing public skepticism, the NBA launched a national awareness campaign in May 2025 to counter what it described as widespread misinformation about GMOs. The campaign is part of the 2023-2027 biotechnology development plan, which has a budget of 1.94 billion shillings ($15 million) and aims to promote better understanding of biosafety and genetic technologies.

If Nema approves the application, cassava would become Kenya’s first genetically modified food staple to be grown commercially, and the second GM crop after cotton, approved in 2019.

Stéphanas Assocle