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Agricultural industry

Kenya's Missed Opportunities: The Cost of Delaying Advanced Biotech Crops

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Kenyan farmers are missing out on substantial economic benefits and improved food security due to the delay in introducing advanced biotech crops. According to a new study, the country has lost an estimated Sh20.4 billion in the past five years alone, with the potential to inject Sh60.7 billion into the economy over the next three decades if the adoption of these crops is expedited. The delay in introducing insect-resistant Bt cotton, Bt maize, and late blight disease-resistant potatoes has resulted in farmers relying on expensive pesticides, reducing their yields and profits. The study highlights the urgent need for policymakers to prioritize the commercialization of these advanced crop varieties, which have been developed through public-private partnerships and are safety-regulated by the National Biosafety Authority.

Key Takeaways:

  • The number of African countries planting biotech crops has more than doubled in the last five years, increasing from three in 2018 to eight in 2024.
  • Eight countries currently growing GM crops include Kenya, Ethiopia, Ghana, Malawi, Nigeria, Sudan, Eswatini, and South Africa, which have approved the cultivation of at least one of four transgenic (GM) crops: cotton, maize, soybean, and cowpea.
  • Advanced biotech crops have the potential to deliver higher crop yields, boost farmer profits, reduce reliance on expensive pesticides, and ultimately lower food prices for consumers.
  • Delaying the introduction of these crops has cost Kenyan farmers and consumers Sh8.7 billion in the past five years, equivalent to about 25 percent of Kenya's 2022 maize imports.
  • Commercialization of advanced potatoes is projected to bring Sh21.2 billion in benefits to Kenyan farmers and Sh10.9 billion to consumers over the next 30 years.
  • Kenyan scientists have developed advanced Bt cotton and moth-resistant Bt maize locally through a public-private partnership, utilizing biotechnology that was donated royalty-free.
  • The study emphasizes that advanced crop varieties are just a part of a broader solution for Kenya's agricultural ecosystem, alongside good agronomic practices, access to markets, and supportive policies to achieve comprehensive food security and farmer prosperity.

Statistics:

  • Estimated cost of delaying the introduction of advanced biotech crops: Sh20.4 billion in the past five years.
  • Projected benefits of adopting advanced biotech crops over the next three decades: Sh60.7 billion.
  • Potential yield increase of Bt maize: 25 percent of Kenya's 2022 maize imports.
  • Benefits of commercializing advanced potatoes: Sh21.2 billion in benefits to Kenyan farmers and Sh10.9 billion to consumers over the next 30 years.
  • Number of African countries planting biotech crops: 8.
  • Number of countries that have adopted biotech crops: 76.
  • Number of countries that import biotech crops: 45.

Sources:

  • The Kenya News Agency, October 21, 2025.
  • The Breakthrough Institute, Alliance for Science, African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), ISAAA (International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications), and the International Potato Center (CIP).
  • The Biosafety Act and the National Biosafety Authority (NBA) in Kenya.

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