Civil society organizations have welcomed the Government of Kenya’s landmark decision to ban more than 50 harmful pesticide products but are now calling for urgent follow-through with robust implementation, enhanced regulatory oversight, and comprehensive support for farmers transitioning to safer alternatives.
In a joint statement, leading environmental, agricultural, and public health organizations applauded the May 7th announcement by Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Hon. Mutahi Kagwe, EGH, as a crucial move toward protecting human health, biodiversity, and environmental sustainability.
The lobby groups also want the state to establish an Independent Expert Advisory Panel composed of toxicologists, agronomists, ecologists, public health experts, and farmer representatives.
This independent body would offer scientific, conflict-free input to pesticide regulatory decisions, protecting public interests from corporate influence.
They are also seeking for the Pesticide Control Products Board (PCPB) to be asked to adopt inclusive public consultation practices, moving beyond limited web notices to proactive engagement through media, community networks, and farmer organizations.
Civil society demands timely public access to all risk assessments and regulatory justifications.
“We want operationalisation of the ‘Double Standards’ Clause- To enforce the Business Laws (Amendment) Act, 2024—passed to prevent importation of pesticides banned in other countries—activists call for clear implementation rules. These should define what constitutes double standards, establish screening procedures, and ensure alignment with global conventions such as the Rotterdam Convention,” read a statement by the lobby group.
Acknowledging the farming sector’s reliance on pesticides, advocates the groups emphasized a phase-out strategy that is coupled with support for Integrated Pest Management (IPM), biopesticides, and agroecology.
They recommend adopting the Farmers’ Resource Guide: Achieving Food Production Without Toxic Pesticides (RTFI, 2024) to help farmers transition without productivity loss.
They also want to Strengthen Regulatory Institutions and Budgets. Civil society leaders highlighted systemic weaknesses in the PCPB, including inadequate staffing, funding, and legal status. They welcomed the Cabinet’s approval of legislation to transform the PCPB into a full-fledged regulatory authority and called for expedited construction of the long-stalled national pesticide residue laboratory.