Browse Data and Analysis

With the notable exception of Bt. cotton, biotech products are not allowed to be produced, imported, or marketed in Kenya. On October 30, 2024, Kenya’s High Court is expected to make a ruling on the biotechnology case challenging the production and trade in genetically engineered (GE) agricultural products.

Despite the private sector's support for biotechnology, Venezuela maintains a ban on the domestic use and research of modern biotechnology-derived agriculture. Venezuela’s basis for the ban is through the Seed Law of December 2015, which also prohibits the importation of genetically engineered (GE) seeds.

On October 3, 2022, Kenya’s newly elected president, Dr. William Ruto, lifted the 10-year ban on importation and cultivation of genetically engineered (GE) agricultural products. Kenya’s Cabinet cited the need to provide the agricultural sector with...

On February 3, 2022, Kenya notified a draft standard on labeling for genetically modified seed (KS 2983-2023) to the WTO TBT Committee as G/TBT/N/KEN/1379. The comment deadline is 60 days from the date of notification with June 2023 as the proposed date of adoption.

On October 3, 2022, Kenya’s newly elected president, Dr. William Ruto, lifted the 10-year ban on importation and cultivation of genetically engineered (GE) agricultural products. This decision opens a path to importation of GE agricultural commodities and domestic production of GE crops in accordance with Kenya’s existing regulatory structure.

Despite private sector support for biotechnology, Venezuela’s ban on the domestic use of and research on modern biotechnology-derived agriculture remains in place. The backbone of this ban is the Seed Law of December 2015, which also prohibits the importation of genetically-engineered seeds.

Kenya’s import ban on genetically engineered (GE) products continues to constrain commerce and trade of agricultural products, preventing local producers, consumers, and industry access...

The first planting of Bt. Cotton for commercialization in Kenya is planned for the start of the long rains season, which is expected in March or April 2020.

This report contains Government of Kenya (GOK) technical import requirements and regulations for food and agricultural products.

Bt. cotton will likely be the first commercially approved genetically engineered (GE) crop for cultivation in Kenya.

The Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (GBRV) bans the use and research of modern biotechnology-derived agriculture.

This addendum accompanies the 2017 Agricultural Biotechnology Annual, and lists 2017 capacity building and/or outreach activities that relate to plant and animal biotechnologies.