Kenyan court declares law banning seed sharing unconstitutional

The Hindu
The Hindu
2M ago
The court's decision is a landmark victory for Kenyan farmers, reinforcing the importance of indigenous seeds and community seed banks in ensuring food security.
Kenyan court declares law banning seed sharing unconstitutional

Key insights

  • 1

    Court's Ruling: The court deemed the seed sharing ban unconstitutional.

  • 2

    Impact on Farmers: Farmers can now share seeds without legal repercussions.

  • 3

    Support for Indigenous Seeds: The ruling promotes the use of climate-resilient indigenous seeds.

A What happened
On November 28, 2025, a high court in Kenya ruled that sections of a seed law preventing farmers from sharing indigenous seeds were unconstitutional. The law, enacted in 2012, imposed severe penalties for sharing seeds, including imprisonment and hefty fines. Justice Rhoda Rutto stated that the law's provisions allowing government raids on seed banks were also unconstitutional. The case was brought by 15 smallholder farmers who argued for their right to preserve and share seeds. This ruling is seen as a victory for food security and indigenous farming practices, as it validates the importance of community seed banks. Food campaigners have long advocated for the preservation of indigenous seeds, which are often more resilient to climate conditions. The decision is expected to enhance food security in Kenya by allowing farmers to access a wider variety of seeds.

Topics

Lifestyle Food Climate & Environment Agriculture Culture & Society Society

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