A Kenyan court has dismissed a second legal challenge to the government’s decision to lift its decade-long ban on genetically modified (GM) crops, effectively allowing their continued cultivation and import. This ruling, made on Thursday by judge Lawrence Mugambi, builds on a 2023 decision in which an environment court ruled that no evidence showed GM crops posed risks to health or the environment.
Kenya initially banned GM crops over safety and environmental concerns and to protect its smallholder farmers. However, President William Ruto’s government reversed the ban in October 2022, citing a need to address drought and food insecurity.
This decision faced strong opposition from consumer and biodiversity groups, who argue that GM crops could undermine traditional farming practices.
Paul Mwangi, a lawyer representing petitioners against the GM crop decision, announced plans to appeal the ruling at a higher court.
The shift toward GM crop cultivation aligns with Kenya’s reliance on agriculture, which contributes 30% of its GDP and employs around 80% of the rural workforce.