Small-scale farmers in Kenya through their activist body, Kenya Peasant League, have pleaded with the Court of Appeal to consider the fate of consumers of agricultural products on its determination of an appeal following the lifting of the ban on Genetically Modified Seeds by the High Court.

Speaking during a meeting that brought together Mariwa farmers in Awendo Sub-county in western Kenya, the Kenya Peasant League officials led by Raila Ogoma, expressed optimism that the court of appeal would stay the decision of the lower, which in turn would protect the drought-resistant Indigenous seeds.

The Court of Appeal in November 2024 certified as urgent an appeal challenging a High Court ruling that lifted a ban on GMO crop development.

This development sparked further legal action as stakeholders in the agriculture and environmental sectors continue to grapple with the implications of GMOs in the country.

Ogoma said that allowing the GMO seeds to penetrate the food system in Kenya, will be accompanied by dire consequences including the deteriorating health caused by the chemicals in the GMO seeds.

The farmers alluded to the constant climate change as well as short life expectancy due to the sudden change in the human diet that consists of chemicals that are harmful to human beings.

The push to lift the ban on GMOs gained momentum following the 2022 directive by the government to allow the importation of GMO maize into the country.

This followed a prolonged drought and food insecurity crisis, with some stakeholders believing that GMOs could provide a solution to the country’s food production challenges.

• A Tell / KNA report / Makokha Khaoya