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{
    "id": 701587,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/701587/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 38,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. (Dr.) Ottichilo",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 131,
        "legal_name": "Wilber Ottichilo Khasilwa",
        "slug": "wilber-ottichilo"
    },
    "content": "Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker, for giving me the opportunity to continue moving this Motion. I moved it last week but I did not conclude because of time. This Motion deals with GMOs, which is an emotive subject. In a layman’s language “GMO” is actually plant or animal breeding. The GMO technology deals with coming up with new varieties of plants and animals, like cattle that produce more milk and high yielding crops that are resistant to drought. This subject was discussed at length. The Departmental Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Cooperatives looked at this subject but because of its cross-cutting nature, it was not possible to come up with a real picture on what GMOs are. Hon. Deputy Speaker, I want to tell the House that, as a country, we have a legal framework of dealing with GMOs. We have the 2006 Biotechnology Policy Paper, which was passed by this House. In 2009, this House passed the Biosafety Act. The Act specifies what GMOs are and how they should be handled and regulated, and provides for risk measures that should be put in place to ensure that the introduction of any GMO product or variety undergoes strict screening. From the Biosafety Act of 2009, the Government of Kenya established the National Biosafety Authority that has the capacity to undertake all matters to do with GMOs. This Motion has been brought to the Floor of the House because in 2012, the Government banned the use of GMOs and its research in the country. Despite having the policy, legislation and an Authority on GMO, the ban has had a devastating impact on technology in this country. Biotechnology is about food security. It is also about increasing food production. If we stifle research in plant and animal breeding, then it means we are not interested in increasing our food production. As I speak, parts of this country, like the North Eastern region, have been badly hit by drought. The country is planning to come up with measures to deal with drought. Biotechnology is used internationally to increase production. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}