Bangladesh, April 17 -- A major environmental lawsuit in Kenya has placed British energy giant BP at the center of renewed scrutiny over historic oil exploration activities in East Africa. The case, involving hundreds of petitioners, alleges that hazardous waste left behind from drilling operations in the 1980s contaminated groundwater in northern Kenya, causing widespread illness, livestock deaths, and more than 500 human fatalities.

The legal action was admitted by Kenyas High Court, allowing the claims to proceed to a full hearing. While the ruling does not determine liability, it marks a significant step in a case that could have far-reaching implications for corporate accountability in environmental damage linked to legacy extractiv...