Kenya Lags Behind Neighbors in Crop Science, Experts Warn

Kenya's Biotechnology Progress and Challenges

Kenyan scientists have raised concerns about the country falling behind its neighbors in embracing modern crop biotechnology. Dr. Richard Oduor, chair of the Kenya University Biotechnology Consortium (Kubico), highlighted that Kenyan researchers are making significant progress in developing climate-resilient and pest-tolerant crops through genome editing and synthetic biology.

However, this progress is being hindered by slow regulatory processes and repeated legal battles that delay field trials. Oduor emphasized that crops such as maize, cassava, and sorghum are already in development, with research focused on traits that enhance resilience against pests, diseases, and environmental stress.

One major challenge under study is striga, a parasitic weed that attacks various crops, including maize, sorghum, rice, and increasingly cowpeas. Oduor explained that when soils lack phosphorus, crops release chemicals known as strigolactones to attract microorganisms that help them access nutrients. Unfortunately, striga detects these same signals and attacks the host plant.

To address this issue, researchers are using genome editing and synthetic biology to engineer soil microorganisms that can naturally make phosphorus soluble. These microbes will serve as bio-fertilizers, reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers that pollute water bodies and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.

“This approach will cut production costs. The bacteria will be coated onto seeds so that as the crop germinates, the roots are colonized immediately. Farmers won’t need to apply traditional fertilizers,” Oduor said.

Cassava research is also advancing, with a virus-resistant variety being one of the latest developments. Scientists are working to extend cassava’s shelf life, which is often shortened by rapid browning and deterioration after harvesting.

“When cassava is cut, certain secondary metabolites react with oxygen, causing discoloration,” Oduor explained. “Through genome editing, we slow down the production of those compounds so the tuber can stay fresh for longer.”

Despite these scientific advancements, Oduor expressed concern over the long wait for confined field trials and eventual commercialization. He noted that many transgenic seeds are ready to move from the lab to field trials, but the regulatory pathway is slow and often disrupted by litigation.

He pointed out that neighboring countries are adopting similar technologies more quickly. “Every small issue ends up in court. While everyone has a right to challenge decisions, constant litigation slows down innovation, delays farmers' access to improved seeds, and hurts the country’s food security goals.”

Oduor called on the government and donors to invest more resources in biotechnology infrastructure and capacity building. He also urged the judiciary to ensure science-based decisions are made efficiently.

Oduor spoke during the 8th OFAB Africa Media Awards (OMAs) held at the Ole Sereni Hotel in Nairobi. The awards celebrate journalists covering agricultural biotechnology, which plays a crucial role in tackling climate change, pests, and crop diseases.

A Kenyan journalist won the overall prize, beating competitors from nine other African countries, including Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Malawi, Mozambique, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, and Ghana.

Nancy Muchiri of the African Agricultural Technology Foundation highlighted that poor communication has significantly undermined public understanding of biotechnology. “Communication is a science we ignored for many years,” she said. “Without it, policies shift, political positions change, and promising technologies die because key decision-makers genuinely don’t know what these innovations are about.”

Muchiri noted that misinformation, often spread unintentionally, can be corrected through proper engagement. However, disinformation, which is the deliberate spreading of falsehoods, remains a bigger challenge.

“For misinformation, we educate and it disappears. But disinformation is intentional and harder to fight,” she said. “This is why communication must go hand-in-hand with policy and scientific progress.”