Confusion as imported GMO maize arrives before Kuria’s gazette notice

Government Printer has confirmed that it has not received any gazette notice on Maize importation.

Government Printer CEO Mwenda Njoka on Tuesday said that no gazette notice had reached his office at the time of publication of this article.

“I can confirm that as we are speaking now ( 10:09 am), we have not received any gazette notice,” he said.

Last Thursday, Trade Cabinet secretary Moses Kuria announced the government had made the tough call to allow the duty-free importation of 10 million bags of GMO maize over the next six months.

“Tomorrow (Friday), I’m signing a gazette notice to allow for the importation of GMO maize duty-free, until we achieve food security because that is our cardinal responsibility as government,” he said.

Kuria said he will issue a gazette notice to authorise the importation and added that the government is ready to shoulder the potential backlash that could follow the decision.

Mixed reactions have emerged from Kenyans after it was announced that a ship with imported maize docked in Mombasa.

This comes days after the government said it will open a window for duty-free GMO maize to enter the country.

According to a statement from the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) released on Monday, some 37 vessels are expected at the port of Mombasa.

Number four on the list, the Africa Merlin Ship, carrying bulk maize and empty bags was expected to arrive on Monday.

Narc leader Martha Karua expressed her concern on the matter on her Twitter handle, where she retweeted a story on the arrival of the maize.

“Of traders who know way ahead of pronouncement, “she said.

Narok Senator Ledama Olekina questioned how the ship had docked before the gazette notice.

“How does a ship docks before a gazette notice,” he said.

Lawyer Makau Mutua also questioned the arrival of the ship in Mombasa.

“In one week, even before a gazette notice is published,” he said.