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{
    "id": 560211,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/560211/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 36,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "June 23rd, 2015 SENATE DEBATES 9 Sen. Ndiema",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Mr. Speaker, Sir, so far, the varieties of WEMA maize, which have already been released to the farmers, are purely conventional hybrids and are not genetically modified. However, research on the GMO maize that is drought tolerant and insect resistant is going on in the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) confined field trials in Kiboko Centre. Seeds of this technology have not been approved or availed in the market. Once research on their efficacy and safety is fully assessed, the consortium will make an application to the National Bio- Safety Authority for consideration. Regarding Question 3 on the steps that the Government is taking to ensure that food security in the country is enhanced considering the harsh climatic conditions that Kenya is facing, I would like to say that Bio-Technology is one of the tools that can be used to address food security. However, as earlier mentioned, research is still going on to ensure safety. In the meantime, the Government is taking several steps to enhance food security. Which are as follows:- (1) Provision of subsidized fertilizer; (2) Procurement of strategic food reserve; (3) Availability of credit through Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC) to farmers; and, (4) Promotion of mechanization which a budget has been provided for this year. Mr. Speaker, Sir, in summary, that is all I have to say."
}