The Government of Kenya has lifted the ban on Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) products.

This follows a cabinet meeting chaired by President Ruto, which approved the cultivation and importation of GMO maize in the country.

According to a communication from the State House, the Cabinet said it was considering various proposals regarding climate change adaptation.

“Cabinet considered a broad array of proposals touching on climate change adaptation,” read the communication.

The late retired President Mwai Kibaki in the year 2022 banned the importation of GMO products 

Recommendations by the former Minister for Public Health Beth Mugo informed this move.

The recommendations were based on a study by a French University that linked cancer in rats to the consumption of GMO products.

The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) also backed these findings.

GMO products have always sparked a continuous debate over their safety for consumption.

The lifting of the ban comes when the country is facing a drought crisis that may lead to a food shortage.