Kenya withdraws 77 pesticide products over safety concerns

The Kenyan government has immediately withdrawn 77 pesticide products from the domestic market due to concerns over their harmful active ingredients.

Mutahi Kagwe, Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, announced the measure after a thorough assessment conducted by the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB). The review evaluated pesticide ingredients registered for use in Kenya.

“Following scientific assessment 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,” Kagwe stated.

In addition to the immediate withdrawals, the government has restricted the application of 202 pesticide products to specific crops, while another 151 products remain under review. The ongoing assessment of these remaining products is expected to conclude by December 2025.

“Until the completion of this review, the use or importation of these 151 products is prohibited,” Kagwe said.

The Cabinet Secretary further emphasized new guidelines requiring importers to ensure pesticides are registered in their country of origin. He stressed that products banned under international environmental agreements will no longer be approved for local registration.

Kagwe also prohibited the importation of any pesticide molecules under review that lack approval in major international markets, including the European Union, the United States, Australia, and Canada, until final evaluations are concluded.

Source: KBC