In a recent ruling, the Kenyan Environment Court has dismissed a case brought forth by the Kenya Peasants League, a lobby group representing peasant farmers, challenging the importation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) into the country.
The court’s decision based its decision on the absence of evidence demonstrating that GMOs posed harm to people.
Justice Oscar Angote, in a verdict delivered on Thursday, October 12, affirmed that sufficient public participation had been achieved through a session held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) and a gazette notice.
The court also found that the petitioner had made premature claims regarding the cultivation, importation, and exportation of GMO maize without the requisite license.
“There is no evidence presented before the court by the petitioner to show that the fourth respondent is already engaged in food cultivation, processing, import, and export,” Justice Angote stated.
Furthermore, the court noted that the petitioner failed to challenge the existing GMO regulations, both on the international and domestic fronts, despite evidence presented in court highlighting Kenya’s robust regulatory framework for GMO viability.
“Evidence before me has shown that the country has put in place a robust framework with inbuilt structures that must be met before considering the use of GMOs,” added Justice Angote.
The court underscored that Kenya has multiple institutions dedicated to addressing GMO-related matters comprehensively, making it unlikely that they would conspire to endanger the population.
“This court has not been shown any evidence that the respondents and institutions violated the laws and regulations on GMO foods, specifically the approval to release maize for cultivation, importation, and exportation. I therefore dismiss the petition.” Justice Angote added.
