The Environment and Lands Court has allowed the importation of genetically modified organisms in the country.
In ruling on Thursday, the court dismissed a case filed by the Kenya Peasants League challenging the importation, stating that no evidence was presented to show they are harmful to people.
Justice Oscar Angote ruled that adequate public participation was achieved through a session at the KICC as well as a gazette notice.
According to the court, the petitioner made premature claims about the cultivation, importation, and exportation of GMO maize without a license because no evidence was provided.
The court also stated that the petitioner had not challenged the laws governing GMOs both internationally and domestically, and that evidence presented in court demonstrated that Kenya has a strong framework governing the viability of GMOs.
“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…” said Justice Angote.
The court also stated that the petitioner had not challenged the laws governing GMOs both internationally and domestically, and that evidence presented in court demonstrated that Kenya has a strong framework governing the viability of GMOs.
“Evidence before me has shown that the country has put in place a robust framework with inbuilt structures which must be met before they consider the use of GMO’s.” Justice Angote added.
“The framework has been set up for the evaluation of GMOs foods to human ….evidence before the court shows that the international biosafety authority has the capacity to check on food assessment….”