EAT Reporter:22/3/25 Greenpeace Africa, Kenya Peasants League, and BIBA Kenya have praised the injunction by the Court of Appeal temporarily halting the importation of genetically modified (GM) crops into Kenya. Speaking at a joint press conference in Nairobi.

The Convenors of Farmers and Consumers rights to Food coalition lauded the ruling terming it an important precedent as we approach a potentially game-changing seed litigation case that will define the future of farmer-managed seed systems across Kenya and potentially Africa.

Giving the opening statement Elizabeth Otieno the Greenpeace Africa’s Food Sovereignty Campaign Lead Said that the court ruling is a triumph for Kenyan farmers and consumers alike. “The temporary halt on GMO imports provides us with a critical opportunity to reassess our agricultural policies and promote solutions that truly serve our farmers and protect our biodiversity. Agroecological practices have proven their effectiveness in ensuring food security while preserving our environmental heritage. We must now focus our collective efforts to ensure the upcoming seed litigation in May cements strong legal protections for farmer-managed seed systems.” Said Elizabeth.

“The struggle for seed sovereignty is a battle against corporate control over our livelihoods and food systems. We celebrate the decision not only as a victory for farmers but also as a reaffirmation of our rights to save and exchange seeds without interference. Farmers must control their seeds – the essential foundation of our food supply. Our farmer-managed seed systems have sustained communities for generations. We cannot allow corporate interests to monopolize our seed heritage and compromise our food sovereignty.” Said Ann Maina from the Biosafety Association of Kenya BIBA.

On his part Cidi Otieno from Kenya Peasants League said “The upcoming seed litigation case in May will be crucial in determining the future of Kenya’s food systems. We’re fighting not just against GMOs, but for the protection of our indigenous seed varieties, farmers’ rights to save and exchange seeds, and the preservation of our agricultural biodiversity. This is about securing food sovereignty for generations to come.”

“We are the custodians of seeds and food systems. If these laws criminalize our right to save and exchange seeds, we will be forced into permanent dependency on multinational corporations. Farmer-managed seed systems are climate-resilient, cost-effective, and culturally significant. These laws must recognize and protect them.” Said the Farmer Representative.

The Press conference underscored agroecology as a practical and farmer-centered alternative to GMOs. Advocates highlighted agroecology’s role in promoting biodiversity, restoring soil health, and enhancing climate resilience while upholding farmers’ rights to seed sovereignty.