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By Milliam Murigi

With climate change increasingly affecting Kenya’s food system, a recent study reveals that the nation is adopting genome editing as a key approach to ensure food security and enhance agricultural strength.

Genome editing is an innovative method of cultivation that enables researchers to implement accurate modifications within the DNA of a plant or animal, similar to fixing a typo in a lengthy paragraph.

In addition to crops and animals, the same technology can also be used for microorganisms, fish populations, tree cultivation, and even health-related studies.

The report titled “Genome Editing (GEd) Landscape Analysis in Kenya,” commissioned by the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) and carried out by Africa Harvest Biotech Foundation International and AGTECH Consulting Ltd, indicates that the nation has transitioned from theoretical concepts to practical research, regulatory frameworks, and initial implementation of genome-edited technologies.

“Many of these initiatives are still in the research and development phase, with just one now being scaled up. Nevertheless, the pipeline indicates a distinct move towards science-based agricultural solutions that are customized to meet Kenya’s specific requirements,” states Florence Wambugu, Chief Executive Officer of the Africa Harvest Biotech Foundation International.

As per the study, Kenya has multiple completed and active genome-editing initiatives, with crops making up approximately 67 percent and livestock comprising 25 percent. The research is directed towards significant issues that directly influence farmers and consumers.

Among the key initiatives is Striga-resistant sorghum, created through CRISPR technology to fight a parasitic weed that severely impacts crop production in dry and semi-dry areas. Researchers are also focusing on developing maize that is resistant to maize lethal necrosis disease (MLND), a viral condition that has led to significant losses since it appeared in the area.

Bananas are being modified to enhance resistance against bacterial wilt, cassava to lower toxicity and improve disease resilience, and pearl millet to extend its shelf life. In animal agriculture, genetic editing is being used to speed up the creation of vaccines for diseases like East Coast Fever and African swine fever, which pose significant risks to pastoral communities.

“Kenya’s advancement is supported by an increasing number of qualified scientists and research centers. Institutions like Kenyatta University, the University of Nairobi, Egerton University, and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology are educating students in areas such as biotechnology, molecular biology, and genomics,” she mentioned.

At the research level, global centers located in Kenya such as the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) have developed sophisticated genome-editing systems. These centers are educating African scientists on the entire genome-editing process, ranging from identifying genes to regenerating plants.

“Although there has been advancement, certain issues still exist, including restricted access to high-throughput sequencing devices, financial limitations, and strict procurement regulations that hinder laboratory activities,” stated Dr. James Okeno, CEO of Agtech Consulting Ltd.

Another major strength that Kenya possesses is its regulatory readiness. The report indicates that Kenya has one of the most advanced and effective biosafety systems on the continent, based on the Biosafety Act of 2009 and further strengthened by genome editing-specific guidelines released in 2022.

The National Biosafety Authority (NBA) is responsible for monitoring genome-modified products in partnership with sector-specific regulators including the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), the Department of Veterinary Services, and the Kenya Bureau of Standards.

Since its creation, the regulatory system has authorized several confined field trials, environmental releases, and—most importantly—three genome-edited products at the environmental approval level. Kenya possesses a relatively adaptable and supportive regulatory framework for GEd (published GEd Guidelines), which facilitates individual assessments and supports such agricultural advancements.

“This product-focused, individual assessment method places Kenya in line with developing global patterns that set genome-edited items apart from conventional GMOs, providing transparency for scientists and financiers,” stated Dr. Okeno.

As per the report, most genome-editing research in Kenya has been supported by donor funding, particularly from the Gates Foundation, USAID, and CGIAR initiatives, while local investment is still minimal. The National Research Fund has not yet provided specific financial support for genome editing, which has sparked worries regarding its future viability.

“There is a requirement for greater national funding, enhanced public-private collaborations, and focused assistance for young researchers to maintain Kenya’s position at the forefront of this quickly changing area,” said Dr. Okeno.

Agriculture continues to be the foundation of Kenya’s economy, accounting for 20 to 25 percent of GDP and providing employment for almost one-fifth of the workforce. However, the sector is experiencing growing challenges due to climate change, unpredictable rainfall, soil erosion, pests, and diseases. Key crops like maize, sorghum, cassava, and bananas play a vital role in household food security and are becoming more at risk.