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In a major win for local farmers and food sovereignty advocates, the Court of Appeal has temporarily halted the importation of genetically modified (GM) crops into Kenya.
Greenpeace Africa, the Kenya Peasants League, and BIBA Kenya welcomed the ruling, calling it a pivotal moment in the fight for seed sovereignty and agricultural independence.
At a press conference at Chester House, Elizabeth Atieno, Food Sovereignty Campaign Lead at Greenpeace Africa, described the ruling as a victory for both farmers and consumers.
“This decision is an opportunity to rethink Kenya’s agricultural policies,” Atieno stated.
“We need to prioritize solutions that benefit our farmers and protect biodiversity. Agroecology has proven to be a sustainable way to ensure food security while safeguarding our environment. The upcoming seed litigation in May must solidify legal protections for farmer-managed seed systems.” Ann Maina of BIBA Kenya warned about the dangers of corporate monopolies controlling the seed industry. “This fight isn’t just about GMOs; it’s about who controls our food systems,” she said.
“For generations, our farmers have saved and exchanged seeds freely. Allowing corporations to dominate the seed market threatens our ability to grow food independently.” Cidi Otieno of the Kenya Peasants League emphasized the broader implications of the upcoming litigation.
“This case will define Kenya’s agricultural future,” he said.
“We’re advocating for the protection of indigenous seeds, farmers’ rights, and agricultural biodiversity. If we lose this battle, we risk losing our food sovereignty for future generations.” A farmer representative echoed these concerns, highlighting the risks of corporate control over seeds. “We are the guardians of our seeds and food systems,” they said.
“If restrictive laws take away our right to save and share seeds, we’ll become dependent on multinational corporations. Our traditional seed systems are resilient, cost-effective, and deeply rooted in our culture. They must be protected.”
The press conference reinforced agroecology as a viable and sustainable alternative to GMOs.
Advocates urged collective action from farmers, civil society groups, and policymakers to ensure the upcoming court case sets a precedent not only for Kenya but for the entire African continent.
By James Nyaigoti