An Analysis of the Adequacy of the Law on Plant and Animal Biotechnology in the East African Community

The research analysed the laws on biotechnology in the East African Community and centres on the regional and Partner States’ laws and policies on biotechnology by identifying the loopholes thereof. The research further identified the dangers of having inadequate laws and drew lessons from other regional groupings on how biotechnology issues have been resolved. In addition, the research drew recommendations towards an adequate harmonised policy on biotechnology for the East African Community. The research largely adopted a doctrinal research methodology and integrated it with a literature review on biotechnology. Through the methodology, the research findings disclosed that there is a lack of a regional, institutional, and enforcement mechanism necessary to protect and encourage the circulation of biotechnology. The findings revealed that there is inadequate public awareness and participation in biotechnology in the East African Community. It was found that rights for farmers and breeders are not adequately defined and distinguished. The findings revealed that compliance with the law is uncertain, and the absence of a monitoring system from the respective national offices does not guarantee compliance with the regulations. The research concluded that there is a need for a harmonised legal framework on biotechnology in the East African Community. The legal framework adopted must be comprehensive and functional within the Community. Such a framework must balance the rights of farmers and breeders