Officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested four suspects in Nairobi who were selling unregistered pesticides.
The officers, who conducted an operation with the Pest Control Board, arrested the suspects at the Tom Mboya Monument along Moi Avenue within the Central Business District.
The suspects have been locked up at Central Police Station and the products, including the vehicle they were using, secured as exhibits.
“The suspects await arraignment on Monday where they will face the charge of selling unlawful/unregistered pest control products contrary to Section 4(1) of the Pest Control Act cap. 246 Laws of Kenya,” DCI said on X.
The board and DCI are jointly conducting an operation to weed out unregistered pest control products that are being sold to unsuspecting Kenyans.
The board is a statutory organisation established under an Act of Parliament, the Pest Control Products Act, Cap 346, Laws of Kenya of 1982 to regulate the importation and exportation, manufacture, distribution and use of pest control products.
In October 2023, the board dismissed claims that the Kenyan market is flooded with highly hazardous products.
Acting CEO Fredrick Muchiri said the board has employed a rigorous evaluation process to ensure safety.
“Ensuring consumer and pesticide user safety is our top priority. Food safety is key during the approval of pesticides that is why Maximum Residue Levels are required," Muchiri said.
Pesticides play a crucial role in safeguarding crop production by combating pests and disease-causing agents.
The substances are however toxic and their manufacture is strictly controlled and regulated worldwide.
