Kenya Bans Hazardous Pesticides, Urged to Boost Enforcement
A coalition of civil society organizations, researchers, and public health advocates has commended the Government of Kenya for its bold decision to ban over 50 pesticide products from the market, as announced by Hon. Mutahi Kagwe, Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, on May 7, 2025. The ban represents a significant step towards protecting public health, biodiversity, and ecological integrity.
The announcement aligns with global standards, including the FAO/WHO International Code of Conduct on Pesticide Management, and is expected to usher in a more sustainable and safer food system for Kenyans. The move is further bolstered by the Business Laws (Amendment) Act, 2024, which closes regulatory loopholes that previously allowed importation of pesticides banned in their countries of origin.
Despite the progress, concerns persist over the continued circulation of banned pesticides initially scheduled for withdrawal by December 2024. Stakeholders are calling for swift enforcement to restore regulatory credibility and public trust.
The National Assembly’s Committee on Implementation recently reignited parliamentary oversight on pesticide use, citing unresolved issues from a 2019 petition. Their findings highlighted regulatory gaps and reaffirmed the need to place public and environmental health above commercial interests.
Advocates urge the Ministry and the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) to publicize the list of banned products and include harmful substances such as Mancozeb, Paraquat, Glyphosate, and various synthetic pyrethroids. They also recommend forming an independent expert panel to advise on pesticide regulation and ensuring meaningful public participation in the process.
To complement the ban, they encourage adoption of safer alternatives such as biopesticides and agroecological practices, supported by farmer training through the 2024 Farmers’ Resource Guide.
They call for adequate funding and structural reform of PCPB, welcoming the Cabinet’s move to elevate it to a full regulatory authority capable of enforcing pesticide laws effectively.
