Government policy and Lecturers Knowledge on Genetically Modified foods at University of Nairobi College of Humanities and Social Sciences and College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences

Abstract

Application of genetic engineering in agricultural production remains a controversial agenda in the international and national levels. The information will contribute to the national debate and decision-making processes regarding use of GM foods in Kenya. A total of 220 lecturers were randomly interviewed to a cross-sectional survey that was conducted by use of a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. The study was conducted at the University of Nairobi’s College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences (CAVS) and College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS). Majority (59.5%) of the lecturers at CAVS and CHSS had poor knowledge on genetic modification and genetically modified foods. The main concerns of GM foods are food safety, human and environmental health. Recommendations are: lecturers need to be more proactive in acquiring more knowledge on genetic engineering; the government should create awareness on the biosafety legal framework; extensive research on GMOs should be done to address concerns of food safety, human and environment health.