A crackdown by the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) in Garissa on Sunday led to the seizure of illegal pesticide products valued at over Sh3 million.
The operation followed complaints from members of the public about the presence of unauthorised products in the market.
PCPB General Manager for Compliance and Enforcement, Lawrence Kalawa, who led the exercise, expressed concern over the smuggling of illegal pesticides through porous borders.
“This practice poses serious risks to the health and safety of Kenyan consumers,” Kalawa said.
He noted that some individuals were operating pesticide businesses without complying with the regulatory framework and emphasised that the government will continue taking action against such operators.
Kalawa reminded all businesspersons in the pesticide sector that they must seek official permission to operate in Kenya.
He further highlighted that all pesticide products must be inspected and certified by the PCPB before being sold in the local market.
“All businesspeople in Kenya involved in the pesticide trade are required by law to register their businesses and obtain permits to trade. Importation of pesticides is also regulated, and only approved products are allowed for use in Kenya,” Kalawa said.
He warned traders operating illegally or selling unauthorised products to comply with the law.
Kalawa added that some traders continue to engage in the illegal importation of pesticides from neighbouring countries without proper registration.
He also revealed that there are currently at least 42 active court cases and 30 successful prosecutions arising from the nationwide crackdowns on illegal pesticide trading.
“We are urging all agro-dealers and businesspeople trading in unauthorised pesticides to withdraw these products immediately before enforcement action is taken,” Kalawa said.
