Drought-hit Kenya should lift ban on GMO maize imports to prioritise its food security
Kenya is facing a maize shortage, but it may not be able to receive any from South Africa. It’s not because of a refusal to supply, but owing to Kenya’s policy rigidities. This poses immense food security challenges for Kenyans.
Kenya is grappling with a severe maize shortage due to a devastating drought, which threatens its food security. The country requires approximately two million tonnes of maize to meet its annual needs for the 2026-27 marketing year. South Africa, the largest maize producer in the region, has a surplus and can export over three million tonnes, but Kenya faces a ban on importing genetically modified maize.
This policy rigidly restricts South Africa's ability to supply maize to Kenya, creating a self-created food security challenge. Zimbabwe, another maize-deficient country, has opened its borders to genetically modified maize imports, serving as a model for Kenya to consider. Kenya should review its restrictions on genetically modified maize imports to prioritize food security and ensure the nation's access to affordable maize.
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