GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 13607

IT IS NOTIFIED for the general information of the public that the Cabinet Secretary for Health has appointed a taskforce consisting of the following— Kihumbu Thairu (Prof.)—(Chairperson); Members: Joy Wanjiru Kiano (Dr.), Ann Wangai (Dr.), Nancy Budambula (Dr.), Shaukat Abdulrazak (Prof.), Samuel Gundu (Prof.), Marion Mutugi (Prof.), Salome Mpoke (Dr.), Johnson Irungu (Dr.), Eva Oduor, Willy Tonui (Dr.), Kepha Ombacho (Dr.)—(Secretary), Terms of Reference: 1. The terms of reference of the taskforce are to— (a) review literature on scientific data from clinical trials on both the short and long term effect of genetically modified foods on human and animal health; (b) assess infrastructural capacities in Kenya to monitor genetically modified products in the country ; (c) make recommendations on genetically modified foods and food security in the country; (d) make recommendations on safety of genetically modified foods to human health; (e) make recommendations on the actions to be undertaken by any person including the government, on matters relating to genetically modified organisms and food safety; (f) assess and make appropriate recommendations on the general administration and management of genetically modified food imports into Kenya and in particular— (i) adequacy of qualified human resource capacity to monitor research, use and importation of genetically modified products in the country; (ii) approval procedures for import of genetically modified food by the relevant regulatory agencies; (iii) examination of the legal framework and systems for biotechnology on genetically modified foods in the country and in the region; and (iv) co-ordination of the regulatory agencies; (g) analyze published and controversial research papers on safety assessment of genetically modified foods; (h) analyze the possible reasons and underlying factors for ban of genetically modified importation, cultivation or trade by some countries; (i) develop a policy direction and advice the government on whether to maintain or lift the existing ban on genetically modified foods; and (j) look into any other issues pertinent to the safety of genetically modified foodstuffs which are not specifically identified in the Terms of Reference, and to make a report of its findings to the Cabinet Secretary for Health. 2. In the performance of its functions, the taskforce— (a) shall hold such number of meetings in such places and at such times as the taskforce shall consider necessary for the proper discharge of its functions; (b) co-opt any resource persons as and when necessary, on short term basis, to assist in the achievement of the Terms of Reference; 11th October, 2013 THE KENYA GAZETTE (c) make reports or updates, every two weeks, to the Cabinet Secretary for Health outlining any matters that may require urgent action; (d) shall receive views from members of the public and receive oral and written submissions from any person with relevant information; (e) may use official reports of any previous investigations relevant to its mandate; (f) may carry out or cause to be carried out such studies or researches as may inform the taskforce on its mandate. 3. The taskforce shall complete its work and submit its final report to the Cabinet Secretary not later than three months from the date of its first appointment and the Cabinet Secretary for Health may when necessary extend the period. 4. The secretariat of the taskforce shall be based at the Ministry of Health. Submission from the public can be addressed to the Secretary, Taskforce to Review matters relating to genetically modified foods and food safety P.O. Box 30016, Nairobi. JAMES W. MACHARIA, Cabinet Secretary for Health.