The Attorney General (AG9) has lost a bid to have orders stopping the importation of genetically modified foods (GMO) suspended.
Court of Appeal Judges on March 31 dismissed the application by the AG who was challenging the order issued by High Court Judge Mugure Thande last year.
The AG sought to suspend that order arguing the decision of the court was not based on any scientific evidence and had interfered with the freedom and rights of Kenyans who want to trade and consume GMO products.
They claimed the order had far-reaching legal, economic and food security ramifications.
Thande in issuing the order on 15 December last year said:
The court takes note that this is a matter of great public interest moreso to the global uncertainties surrounding GMOs. In light of this, it is in the public interest that the court adopts the precautionary principle pending the hearing of evidence of expert witnesses on the effect of the consumption and growth of GMO products on health and on the environment. Accordingly, the court hereby extends the interim orders pending the hearing and determination of the consolidated petitions.
