Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has taken decisive regulatory action to withdraw 77 end-use products from the Kenyan market and to restrict the use of 202 products on various crops.
This follows the Ministry completion of comprehensive review of pesticide active ingredients currently registered in the Kenyan market.
A further 151 products are under review by the PCPB, with a decision on their approval expected by December 2025. In a statement by Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kwagwe, this is inline with commitment to safeguard the health of citizens, protect agricultural sector, and uphold Kenya’s environmental sustainability.
The review has been undertaken by the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB), which is mandated to ensure that all Pest Control Products (PCPs) authorized for use in Kenya are safe to human health and the environment.
According to Kagwe, PCPB undertook a thorough review of 430 enduse products, utilizing scientific information provided by applicants and reviews of regulatory decisions made by reputable international agencies on respective molecules contained in the products. “Following scientific assessments 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”, said CS Kagwe
Further, the Ministry has reviewed the Draft Pest Control Products Bill to enhance the regulation of PCPs. The bill has already been approved by the Cabinet and will soon be in parliament.
To further safeguard the public, the Ministry has taken the following measures:
• All PCP products considered for registration in Kenya must be registered in their country of origin
• No pest control products banned on the international level under multilateral environmental agreements shall be registered for use in Kenya.
• Importation of any molecule under review that is not approved in the European Union, the United States of America, Australia, and Canada shall be prohibited untilfinalization and review.
This action is part of ministry’s continuous efforts to align Kenya’s agricultural practices with international best standards, ensure food safety for all Kenyans, and promote sustainable agriculture.
The Ministry commits to continue review and update regulatory frameworks in line with emerging scientific evidence and global developments.”We urge all farmers, distributors, and stakeholders to comply fully with these new regulations and to adopt safe, effective, and environmentally friendly pest management alternatives,” Kagwe stated
The Ministry is committed to supporting farmers through education, extension services, and the promotion of integrated pest management practices.