Kenyan court declares seed sharing ban unconstitutional, protects farmers' rights

A high court in Kenya on Thursday declared unconstitutional sections of a seed law that prevented farmers from sharing and selling indigenous seeds in what food campaigners have called a landmark win for food security.

Farmers in Kenya could face up to two years' imprisonment and a fine of 1 million Kenyan shillings ($7,700) for sharing or selling seeds that were not certified by the government.

The court said sections of the seed law that gave government officials powers to raid seed banks and seize seeds were also unconstitutional.

The case had been filed by 15 smallholder farmers, who are members of community seed banks that have been in operation for years, preserving and sharing seeds among colleagues.