The government has banned 77
pesticides and restricted the use of 202 others in a sweeping regulatory move
aimed at protecting public health, agriculture, and the environment.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi
Kagwe announced the decision Monday, stating that the Ministry of Agriculture
and Livestock Development had concluded a thorough review of pesticide products
registered in the Kenyan market.
“We have taken decisive regulatory
action to withdraw 77 end-use products from the Kenyan market and to restrict
the use of 202 products on various crops,” said Kagwe.
The review, Kagwe said, was carried out by the
Pest Control Products Board (PCPB), the government agency tasked with ensuring
pesticide safety.
According to the CS, PCPB reviewed
430 end-use products, using both scientific data from applicants and regulatory
findings from international agencies.
In addition to the banned and
restricted products, Kagwe said another 151 products are currently under review and remain
prohibited from use or importation. A final decision on their approval is
expected by December 2025.
As part of broader reforms, the CS said the government has introduced a set of additional regulatory measures to ensure
that pest control products used in Kenya meet high safety standards.
Going forward, he said, all pesticide
products considered for registration in Kenya must also be registered in their
country of origin.
Products that have been banned under international environmental agreements will no longer be accepted for registration in Kenya, Kagwe added.
"Further, the importation of any pesticide molecule currently under review, and not approved for use in the European Union, the United States, Australia, or Canada, will be prohibited until the review process is completed," he said.
CS Kagwe also said that the ministry has finalized a Draft Pest Control Products Bill aimed at enhancing pesticide regulation.
The
bill has already been approved by the Cabinet and will soon be tabled in
Parliament.
Kagwe said these measures are part
of the government’s effort to align Kenya’s agricultural practices with
international standards, ensure food safety, and promote sustainable farming.
“We urge all farmers, distributors,
and stakeholders to comply fully with these new regulations and to adopt safe,
effective, and environmentally friendly pest management alternatives,” he said.
The ministry reaffirmed its
commitment to supporting farmers through education, extension services, and the
promotion of integrated pest management practices.
