A recent performance audit by the Office of the Auditor-General has revealed significant gaps in Kenya’s pesticide residue monitoring programme, highlighting risks to consumers and the environment.

Limited Monitoring of Pesticide Residues

The Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) conducted only a few pesticide residue studies between 2024 and 2025, covering just four crops—kales, onions, tomatoes, and potatoes—across 12 counties. The audit found no pesticide residue testing on water or soil samples during this period, limiting the Board’s ability to detect contamination and respond effectively.

“The limited scope constrained the Board’s ability to identify and address pesticide-related health and environmental risks,” the Auditor-General’s report noted.

Need for Continuous National Monitoring

The report recommends establishing a continuous and comprehensive pesticide residue monitoring system that includes food, water, and environmental samples. It also calls for fast-tracking laboratory accreditation to enhance evidence-based regulation.

This system is expected to help safeguard public health and support environmental management by identifying contaminants in agricultural produce, irrigation water, and soil.

Weak Collaboration with County Governments

The audit also exposed poor coordination between the PCPB and county governments in regulating pesticide handling facilities. Of 10 counties sampled:

  • Only one collaborated with the Board on agro-dealer certification exercises.
  • Two counties took part irregularly in routine inspections.
  • Just one shared data on licensed premises.
  • The rest had no engagement with the Board on certification or inspections.

To improve oversight, the Auditor-General advises formal coordination mechanisms and regular data sharing between the PCPB and counties to ensure regulatory compliance among agro-dealers.

Context on Regulatory Challenges

This audit adds to previous findings that illegal, expired, counterfeit, and unregistered pesticides still infiltrate the Kenyan market despite increased regulatory efforts. Weak follow-up inspections, border controls, and enforcement continue to expose consumers to unsafe pesticide products.