GOVERNMENT PROHIBITS USE OF 77 PESTICIDES OVER SAFETY CONCERNS

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has banned 77 pest control products and restricted 202 others in a major crackdown targeting unsafe agrochemicals. In a statement on Monday, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said another 151 pest control products are still being scrutinized. Among those banned are some of the world’s most controversial and toxic chemicals, such as 2,4,5-T a herbicide long associated with severe environmental and health hazards. Others include the insecticides Chlordane, Chlordimeform and Endrin, all of which have been globally criticized for their persistence in the environment and risks to human health. Also outlawed is Dichlorodiphenyl Trichloroethane (DDT), previously used in agriculture but not widely restricted due to its long-term environmental contamination.

High toxic soil fumigants such as Dibromochloropropane and Ethylene Dibromide have also been prohibited, along with Heptachlor and Toxaphene, which are known to pose significant risks to both human and animal life. The ban extends to the five isomers of Hexachlorocyclohexane, a fungicide group that has been linked to chronic health conditions. Kagwe said the move follows a comprehensive review of pesticide active ingredients registered in Kenya, conducted by the Pest Control Products Board(PCPB).

 The review saw the examination of 430 products which led to the discovery of products that pose unacceptable risks to human health, crops, livestock, and the environment. He noted that 77 end use products have now been withdrawn from the Kenyan market, while the use of another 202 has been restricted to specific crops and conditions. The remaining 151 products under review will remain banned from use or importation until the conclusion of the review, which is expected by December 2025.

The ministry has also directed all PCP products considered for registration in Kenya must be registered in their country of origin to safeguard the public. Farmers and distributors have also been urged to comply with the regulations to ensure safety for Kenyans.