Currently, [Kenya] is considering the approval and commercialisation of Bt maize.

Although the intended purpose for Bt maize is insect protection, less known to the public is that it has a secondary benefit from a public health perspective, especially in Kenya — reducing mycotoxin contamination.

Mycotoxins are toxic compounds that are naturally produced by certain types of fungi. Two of the most important mycotoxins in maize are aflatoxins and fumonisins.

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[Strategies for controlling mycotoxins] include tapping into genetic resistance resources, insect management, managing toxigenic (toxin producing) fungus at farm level using bio-control agents like Aflasafe for controlling aflatoxin, postharvest grain drying and cleaning methods whilst controlling grain damage, and development of risk assessment tools that account for the impact of climate change on evolving mycotoxin risks in maize.

The problem with genetic engineering of crops is that there has been, in my opinion, inordinate focus on the perceived risks posed by the technology over the benefits.

It is important to note that the technology was never developed to cause harm but as an additional tool to address food and nutritional security and our collective health.

There is no technology that is without risk.

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