Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha/SCREENGRABNyandarua Governor Moses Kiarie Badilisha has dismissed a report by Egerton University on the county’s potatoes terming it as “vague, lacking any scientific anchor, and completely misleading.”
In his remarks, Governor Badilisha faulted the methodology and findings of the disputed report.
The county chief stated that it is unfortunate that such a sensitive matter was handled without engaging the relevant state and non-state stakeholders and authorities, noting the omission raises serious credibility including on validation.
The report – “Influence of on-farm pesticide practices and processing methods on pesticide residue levels in potato tubers (Solanum tuberosum L.) in Nyandarua County, Kenya” – indicated most potatoes from the county's smallholder farmers contain excessive levels of weedkillers and pestkillers even after cooking.
That is because most smallholder farmers mix many chemicals and do not adhere to manufacturers directions.
Some of the chemicals found in the potato tubers are banned in Kenya because they cause cancer and brain problems.
Smallholder farmers (275 of them) who had produced Shangi potato variety for at least two seasons were randomly selected for the study, with the assistance of the subcounty agricultural officers.
They were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. Respondents were informed of the intent of the study before the administration of the questionnaires, and consent was obtained.
“There is a need for expanded educational initiatives to promote good agricultural practices among the potato farming communities to ensure food safety and environmental sustainability,” said authors of the study, which was funded by the Louis Dreyfus Foundation (LDF) and facilitated by the County government agricultural officers.
Potato farmers in Nyandarua currently make an average Sh440,000 per acre through various ways, according to various estimates.
The governor further defended Nyandarua's agricultural practices, emphasizing that the county had partnered with the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) to ensure the safe and responsible use of pesticides.
“We have been conducting regular training for our farmers and ensuring only verified and approved pesticides are used. Such efforts cannot be overlooked,” he said.
Badilisha also pointed to the county’s initiatives in producing certified, disease-free potato seeds as a key measure to protect both consumer health and farmer livelihoods.
The governor called on researchers and other such institutions to collaborate with local authorities before publishing potentially damaging reports.
He said not involving the local authorities does not only harm the county’s image but also risks sabotaging the hard work of the farmers.
Nyandarua county is among the leading producers of potatoes in Kenya and has been at the forefront of efforts to modernise and professionalise agriculture in the region.
