Kagwe bans 77 pesticides to safeguard Kenyans’ health, imports market
Kagwe revealed that 151 other products are under review and remain banned pending further evaluation
The ministry of Agriculture has announced a ban on ban on 77 pesticides while 202 others have been restricted.
Agriculture and Livestock Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said the move is set to safeguard Kenyans and protect the sector.
“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,” Kagwe announced.
The CS stated that the ban came after a review by the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB).
He explained that the Board undertook a thorough review of 430 end-use products, utilising scientific information provided by applicants and reviews of regulatory decisions made by reputable international agencies on respective molecules contained in the products.
“Following scientific assessments and stakeholder consultations, we have identified certain active ingredients and associated end-use products that pose unacceptable risks to human health, crops, livestock, and the environment,” he noted.
Kagwe revealed that 151 other products are under review and remain banned pending further evaluation.
“A further 151 products are under review by the PCPB, with a decision on their approval expected by December 2025. In the meantime, the use or importation of the 151 products remains prohibited until the end of the review,” he stated.
The CS mentioned that the ministry has reviewed the Draft Pest Control Products Bill to enhance the regulation of PCPs.
The Bill, which is set to be tabled in Parliament, proposes that all PCP products considered for registration in Kenya must be registered in their country of origin.
The bill also proposes that pest control products banned on the international level under multilateral environmental agreements shall not be registered for use in Kenya, and that importation of any molecule under review that is not approved in the European Union, the United States of America, Australia, and Canada shall be prohibited until finalisation and review.
“This action is part of our continuous efforts to align Kenya’s agricultural practices with international best standards, ensure food safety for all Kenyans, and promote sustainable agriculture,” he added.
