Vihiga Governor Wilber Ottichilo has urged Kenyans to embrace technology to increase food production.
Ottichilo said technology has its demerits.
“We know science has its merits and demerits but we must work hard to limit the disadvantages of this science for our benefit,” Ottichilo said.
He said the current GMO food products that are being proposed by the government should be tried under close supervision.
The governor said with GMOs in place the country will increase food production hence sober food security.
“Currently over 26 counties are struggling to get food,” he said.
The county boss said the government should set up a National Bio-Safety Authority to oversee such technology not to harm the public.
The governor spoke in Vihiga over the weekend
Ottichilo's sentiments come a few days after Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi urged President William Ruto to suspend the GMO programmes in the country until the new cabinet is in place.
“We want the new cabinet in place to relook into that GMO issues first, the previous cabinet overlooked so many issues relating to that GMO,” Osotsi said.
“The President had promised to increase food production in the country by reducing the cost of production.”
Ottichilo urged residents not to focus on substance farming saying it has no economic impact on society.
He said with the kind and size of lands within Vihiga, residents should focus on Agri-business.
“It will be important if we go for Avocado, Mangos and green vegetables that can be taken through value addition for residents to benefit,” he said.
