As the DrumBeat team, we convey our utmost gratitude to you - our esteemed reader - for making this newsletter a leader in provision of exciting stories on Africa's latest bioscience development and cutting-edge scientific innovations. This edition celebrates Kenya's historic decision to lift a 10-year ban on importation and utilization of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This is a milestone that will see the country efficiently adopt approved biotech crops and import GM foods as one of the sustainable options to arrest food insecurity.

The Story of the Month presents fascinating statistics on how a Kenyan farmer stands at a prime position to hugely benefit from biotech crops following the lifting of the ban. Farmers have disappointedly obtained meagre returns from their crops and experienced massive food shortages in the face of climate adversity. The Story of the Month puts a strong case of why embracing and cultivating climate resilient GM crops will empower farmers and cushion the country against food insecurity.

The vacation of the ban on GMOs serves as an inspiration to Kenya's scientific community which has been working tirelessly to research and develop climate smart biotech crops. In keeping with the country's commitment to develop home-grown GM crops, we feature the Virus Resistant Cassava for Africa (VIRCA Plus) project in the Video of the Month. VIRCA Plus is developing cassava genetically improved to resist brown streak disease (CBSD), a vicious disease responsible for up to 100 percent yield loss in cassava.

The lifting of the ban has, however, elicited polarized debate sometimes characterized by misinformation and lies about the technology. ISAAA AfriCenter has taken the lead to build knowledge and understanding around biotech crops and dispel any misinformation thereof.

For these and more stories, take time to read and watch exciting stories in the DrumBeat. Welcome.