Agricultural scientists and animal feed manufacturers have renewed calls for Kenya to embrace biotechnology, saying genetically modified (GM) crops could help address chronic shortages of animal feed raw materials, lower production costs and strengthen the country’s food security.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ workshop on biotechnology and animal feed at the ongoing AFEC conference 2026, experts said Kenya’s livestock industry remains heavily dependent on imported maize and soybean, exposing the sector to supply disruptions and rising costs.
Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) Biotechnology Research Institute Director Dr Martin Mwirigi assured consumers that genetically modified crops undergo rigorous scientific safety assessments before approval.
He said researchers evaluate nutritional value, toxicity and allergenicity to ensure GM crops are substantially equivalent to conventional varieties, with only the intended trait such as pest or disease resistance, being introduced.
“GM crops retain their nutritional value, and every product undergoes comprehensive safety testing before it is submitted to regulators,” he said.
Dr Mwirigi added that KALRO is supporting farmers through the production and distribution of certified planting materials via KALRO Seed and partnerships with licensed seed producers to increase access to quality seeds.
Association of Kenya Feed Manufacturers (AKEFEMA) National Chairman Joseph Karuri said Kenya imports nearly 80 per cent of its animal feed raw materials, making the country vulnerable to external supply shocks.
He noted that globally, about 80 per cent of traded soybeans and 70 per cent of traded maize are genetically modified, with leading agricultural producers such as Brazil, Argentina, the United States and South Africa already relying on the technology.
Karuri said allowing the cultivation and importation of GM maize and soybean would help reduce raw material shortages, improve feed availability and enhance the country’s long-term food security.
He observed that the poultry industry, which consumes about 60 per cent of all manufactured animal feed, remains the most affected by high feed costs, although improved maize harvests over the past two years have helped stabilise prices.
Karuri also urged continued investment in alternative feed ingredients such as insect meal, azolla and meat-and-bone meal to diversify feed sources.
ISAAA AfriCenter Director Dr Margarete Karembu said affordable livestock production depends on access to quality feed ingredients, noting that most competitive livestock-producing countries use biotechnology-derived maize and soybean.
She called for harmonised policies on biotechnology, increased investment in local research and removal of regulatory bottlenecks that increase the cost of moving feed ingredients across counties.
Dr Karembu identified misinformation, fragmented regulatory systems and trade barriers as the biggest obstacles to biotechnology adoption in Kenya and across Africa.
She said addressing these challenges could significantly lower feed costs, which account for more than 60 per cent of livestock production expenses, potentially reducing the retail prices of eggs, milk and meat by up to 30 per cent.
The stakeholders urged the government to create a predictable policy environment that supports innovation while ensuring continued scientific assessment of the safety of biotechnology products.
by Wangari Ndirangu
