Kenya's state-run National Safety Authority is set to approve importation of genetically modified maize into the country for the first time to mitigate a looming shortage, its head said on Wednesday.

The Kenyan government last week forecast a shortfall in the supply of maize, a staple in east Africa's biggest economy, of 14.8 million 90-kg bags in the 2011/12 season due to drought.

"With the