Nairobi, Nov. 27 -- Kenya stands alone in the region as far as the importation and growing of genetically modified organisms (GMO) is concerned.

Tanzania, Uganda and Burundi have all said they are not open to GMOs, and the wider East African Community concurs.

On October 4, Kenya lifted a ban on GMOs imposed in 2012, and the country is poised to import 11 tonnes of GMO maize seed, in what the government has justified as a solution to perennial food shortage and drought cycles.

Read: East Africa divided on GM foods as Kenya lifts ban

This week, Kenya said the GMO seeds from South Africa are expected in the country from January and will be distributed to farmers including those bordering neighbouring countries.

Ordered maize seed

The ...