The Kenya Chapter of Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology in Africa (OFAB) celebrated exemplary science journalism and recognized media’s contribution in promoting agricultural biotechnology during a media awards gala hosted at Serena Hotel, Nairobi on October 14, 2022. This year’s celebrations were themed “The Role of Innovations for Food Security and Agricultural Transformation”.
During the event, the Kenyan media were challenged to actively play a key role in combating misinformation and propaganda about modern biotechnology amid a polarized debate on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) coming after the Government lifted the ban on importation of GM foods.
Speaking at the gala, biotech stakeholders hailed the media for its invaluable contribution to the growth of crop biotechnology in the country and called on them to help in closing the gap between misinformation and evidence. The gap has been widened by anti-GMO crusaders who are keen to destroy the gains made in biotechnology advancement in Kenya.
Eastern Africa Grain Council (EAGC) Executive Director Gerald Masila asked the media to promote a factual conversation on biotech singling out misinformation as a challenge in discussing science. “The media play a big role in enlightening the masses and informing the public factually; shaping their opinions and avoiding polarized debates on modern biotechnology,” he remarked.
OFAB Kenya continues to provide a platform for public sensitization and knowledge sharing on agricultural biotechnology, and plays a leading role in dispelling misinformation and lies about GMOs.