Kenya has lost more than Ksh.20 billion in just five years because of delays in approving and adopting genetically modified (GMO) crops that could improve food security and increase farmer incomes.
A new report titled “The Cost of Delay” reveals that misinformation, public fear, and lengthy regulatory procedures have slowed the introduction of three key GMO crops — insect-resistant maize, pest-resistant cotton, and a potato variety resistant to late blight disease.
According to the study by the Breakthrough Institute, the Alliance for Science, and the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), these delays have cost Kenya billions of shillings in lost income, higher food imports, and reduced agricultural productivity.
“The Ksh.20 billion we’ve lost could have bought 300,000 tonnes of maize — enough to feed 1.5 million Kenyans,” said Dr. Daniel Kyalo, Senior Manager for Agribusiness, Policy, and Commercialisation at AATF. “This shows how much we are losing because of delays in adopting modern technology.”
If Kenya were to commercialise these improved crop varieties, the report estimates they could inject more than Ksh.60 billion into the economy over the next three decades.
Missed opportunities for farmers
Kenyan scientists have already developed Bt maize, a variety that resists destructive pests such as the stem borer and fall armyworm — pests that destroy up to 20% of maize harvests every year.
The report says that if Bt maize had been adopted earlier, Kenyan farmers could have produced an extra 194,000 tonnes of maize, reducing the country’s dependence on imports and saving Ksh.8.7 billion spent on pesticides and imported grain.
Similarly, the delayed rollout of Bt cotton — now finally approved — held back the textile industry for nearly five years, costing hundreds of millions in potential revenue. Potato farmers, too, continue to suffer from late blight disease, with the lack of a resistant GMO Shangi variety leading to losses of more than Ksh.7 billion.
Myths, lawsuits, and slow regulation
Experts say misinformation and public fear around GMO safety have been major barriers.
“There are too many myths about genetically modified foods. People think GM crops are unsafe, yet studies and global experience show otherwise,” said Dr. Kyalo.
Josephat Muchiri, Acting Director of Biosafety Research and Compliance at the National Biosafety Authority (NBA), explained that several court cases challenging GMO approvals have delayed progress.
“Some of the court cases have been dismissed, while others are still active. These legal battles have slowed our work,” Muchiri said. “We hope they are resolved soon so we can proceed with proper scientific assessments.”
Economic and environmental impact
Beyond economic losses, the report highlights environmental costs. Kenya could reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 0.7% if it adopted GMO crops widely — thanks to lower pesticide use and reduced deforestation for farmland.
With eight African countries, including Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Ghana, already growing GMO crops, scientists warn that Kenya risks being left behind if it continues to delay.
“Every year we wait, we lose money, jobs, and opportunities to improve our food security,” the report concludes.
A call for action
Experts and agricultural groups are urging the government to fast-track GMO approvals, raise public awareness about the science behind genetically modified crops, and support farmers to adopt new technologies safely.
If implemented, these changes could help Kenya move closer to food self-sufficiency, strengthen local industries, and make farming more profitable for millions of smallholders.
