Crackdown on Illegal Pesticides Starts

The operation, which is part of a nationwide effort to eliminate illegal pest control products, targeted both farm and household pesticides suspected to contain harmful chemicals that threaten human health, livestock, and agricultural productivity.

Speaking in Embu town after the exercise, PCPB General Manager for Compliance and Enforcement, Lawrence Kalawa, expressed concern over the growing number of illegal and smuggled pesticides in the market.

Kalawa warned that the cheap and unregistered products pose serious health and environmental risks, as many contain banned or toxic substances that can harm users and degrade the soil.

“We are stepping up enforcement this planting season to protect farmers from counterfeit products that end up destroying crops instead of protecting them. Such products are a threat to food security,” he said.

He urged farmers to be extra cautious during the short rains, noting that it is during this period of high demand that dishonest traders flood the market with fake products to make quick profits.

Kalawa encouraged farmers to buy pesticides only from PCPB-registered agro-vet outlets, where certified products bear official safety stickers to show they have been tested and approved.

He also warned traders dealing in unregistered or fake products to stop immediately, saying that the board will continue to intensify its surveillance and prosecute offenders.

“We will not relent in protecting farmers and consumers from harmful chemicals. Anyone found selling unauthorized pesticides will face the full force of the law,” he said.

The crackdown is part of PCPB’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that only safe and genuine pest control products are available in the Kenyan market, while safeguarding the health of citizens and the integrity of the country’s agriculture.