A Kenyan court on Thursday dismissed a lawsuit challenging a government decision to allow the importation and cultivation of genetically modified crops to help combat its food crisis.

In October last year, the government lifted a decade-old ban on GM crops in response to dwindling food security following the worst drought to ravage the Horn of Africa region in 40 years.

The Kenya Law Society swiftly launched a court challenge, arguing the decision was unconstitutional as there were concerns over the safety of the crops. 

But environment court Judge Oscar Angote ruled on Thursday that there was no evidence to show any harm to nature or human health.

“As a country, we need to trust the institutions that we have in place and call them to order when they breach the law,” Angote said, making reference to government bodies that regulate GM foods.