NAIROBI, Kenya — Three Kenyans have moved to the High Court of Kenya seeking orders to halt the use and enforcement of halal certification marks on meat products, arguing that the current system lacks a clear legal foundation and raises consumer protection concerns.
In a constitutional petition filed under urgency, Dennis Nthumbi, Dennis Owuor Ochanda, and Henry Barasa Tom are asking the court to declare the existing halal certification regime unlawful unless it is expressly anchored in statute.
The petitioners argue that halal certification—largely administered by private entities—has become deeply embedded in Kenya’s meat supply chain, influencing operations from slaughterhouses to supermarkets and effectively shaping market access.
They contend that the widespread use of certification marks raises key issues around consumer rights, including access to information, pricing transparency, and fair administrative action.
According to the court filings, many consumers remain unaware of what halal certification entails or whether its associated costs are passed on through product pricing.
The trio further asserts that meat inspection and public health oversight are statutory mandates that should remain under government control.
They warn that the growing role of private certification bodies risks blurring regulatory responsibilities and weakening accountability in the sector.
“As currently practised, the certification regime operates without a clear legal framework, yet has significant commercial and regulatory consequences,” the petition states.
The applicants are seeking conservatory orders to restrain relevant authorities and regulators from enforcing or permitting certification on meat products that are not grounded in written law.
They also want the court to compel state agencies to disclose the legal basis, applicable standards, and cost implications of halal certification within Kenya’s meat industry.
While the petition touches on religious dietary practices, the applicants emphasise that their case is not aimed at restricting freedom of religion. Instead, they frame the dispute as a question of legality, transparency, and proper regulatory oversight in the food sector.
The High Court is expected to issue directions on the application for conservatory orders in the coming days.
