A lobby group has urged the government to immediately withdraw harmful pesticides from the market.
The group comprises the Route to Food Initiative (RTFI), Biodiversity and Biosafety Association of Kenya (BIBA-K), Kenya Organic Agriculture Network (KOAN) and Resources Oriented Development Initiatives (RODI).
They said the pesticides contain active ingredients that are toxic to humans and harmful to the environment.
The group said at least 32 per cent of active ingredients in pesticides being sold in Kenya have been withdrawn from the European market due to their serious potential impact on human health and the environment.
“It is disconcerting to note that the sale of these chemicals, many of which are not approved in Europe, is going on unabated with little regard to public health and environmental safety,” project lead at RTFI Layla Liebetrau said.
Pest Control Products Board CEO Peter Opiyo has, however, dismissed reports that some chemicals banned in the EU are on sale in Kenya.
"Some chemicals used in Kenya are definitely not registered for use in Europe because they target pests of tropical crops not grown in the EU. So the decision to register or not to register a product for use in the EU is a commercial decision by the manufacturer," he told the Star.
Liebetrau said others have been proven to negatively affect hormones.
“Withdrawing these products from the market will reduce their availability to farmers,” KOAN CEO Eustace Kiarii said.
