The Kenya Chapter of Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology in Africa (OFAB-Kenya), on September 13, celebrated exemplary science journalism and recognized media’s contribution in promoting agricultural biotechnology. The celebrations were held during a media awards gala hosted at Serena Hotel, Nairobi.
The awards, which honour top reporters in agricultural biotechnology, have gained great acclaim over the years, and are increasingly attracting more applicants. People Daily’s reporter Milliam Murigi was crowned the overall winner whilst Mildrine Sabwami, a reporter with North Rift Radio emerged the first runner-up as Jeremy Omondi of West Television came second runner-up. Improved reporting in this field has also led to bigger involvement of stakeholders and a general better understanding of agricultural biotechnology among Kenyans.
Jonathan Mueke, The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, who was the chief guest at the ceremony, said that the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) under the leadership of His Excellency President William Ruto “envisions utilizing technology to maximize production and productivity.” “Agricultural biotechnology, in particular, holds the potential to transform our food security landscape while maintaining our commitment to biodiversity conservation,” he said
Margaret Karembu, the OFAB-Kenya Chairperson, who is also the Director of ISAAA AfriCenter, called OFAB “a bedrock of truth in a world clouded by skepticism about agricultural biotechnology.”
“By forging vital connections between scientists and journalists, it has ignited a powerful movement to demystify agricultural biotechnology,” Dr Karembu said. “This dynamic platform not only empowers experts to disseminate evidence-based insights but also galvanizes the media to champion the truth about agricultural biotechnology. Through these efforts, OFAB Kenya is reshaping the narrative, turning confusion into clarity, and promoting a more informed dialogue on the science that is transforming agriculture.”
Canisius Kanangire, the Executive Director of the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), highlighted the difficult path towards advocating for acceptance of agricultural biotechnology, saying that a steep slope has to be climbed. He spoke about the many challenges the agricultural sector is facing- including climate change which adversely affects smallholder farmers, and pest infestations- and the vulnerability of these farmers who lack the capacity to bounce back after crises.
“Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) is a tool to help them be strong, resilient and economically fit. Not giving the farmers a chance to use and experiment with these emerging technologies is not a good thing,” said Dr Kanangire. He also reserved high praise for the media, noting journalists’ great importance in disseminating information scientists would have struggled to.
We have our way of speaking- not one that everyone would understand easily. When we talk to the stakeholders, we may use jargon and think they understand but we are confusing them. I am glad you are there and you can put it in the right language to be understood by your audience.
Ms Murigi, who won the top award in her fourth stab, said she was “deeply honoured” to be announced the year’s leading contestant, calling it “a testament to the critical role that journalism plays in addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time, including food security, environmental sustainability, climate change, and invasive species”.
While noting the challenges in writing on modern biotechnology, Ms Murigi said that the award strengthens her commitment towards telling stories that not only inform but also inspire actions, particularly in the field of agriculture and biotechnology.