The Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) has escalated efforts to stem the influx of illegal pesticides into Kenya by enhancing surveillance at border points and intensifying farmer education initiatives.

Lawrence Kalawa, PCPB's Compliance and Enforcement general manager, emphasized that although counterfeit and unregistered pesticides make up less than one percent of the market, their presence threatens food safety, public health, and the environment. He highlighted that educating farmers remains the board’s most effective strategy to promote responsible pesticide use.

Enhanced Surveillance and Enforcement

  • PCPB has deployed officers at 10 key border posts and strengthened checks at the Port of Mombasa, scrutinizing shipping documents and cargo before vessels dock.
  • Recent operations led to the seizure of 260 kilograms of unauthorized pesticides at the port, with legal proceedings underway.
  • Currently, 51 court cases related to illegal pesticides are active, with convictions resulting in fines ranging from Sh100,000 to Sh750,000.

Farmer Education and Awareness

  • Approximately 80% of PCPB’s work focuses on compliance through training farmers, agro-dealers, and stakeholders on identifying genuine products and using them safely.
  • An online database listing all registered pesticides and their approved labels has been published to facilitate product verification.
  • County agricultural officers and lead farmers receive training to disseminate knowledge within farming communities.
  • Awareness campaigns are conducted via vernacular radio, agricultural exhibitions, and agricultural shows.

Ensuring Effective and Safe Pesticide Use

  • Kalawa dismissed doubts about registered pesticides’ effectiveness, attributing failures to improper application, such as using expired products or incorrect dosages.
  • He urged farmers to strictly follow label instructions and recommended application methods for optimal pest control and food safety.
  • Precision technologies like drone spraying are encouraged to improve coverage and reduce chemical exposure.
  • Routine laboratory tests show over 90% compliance among registered pesticides in the Kenyan market.

Industry and Expert Perspectives

  • Joel Mutai, CEO of AAK Grow, stressed ongoing training and stewardship to maintain consumer confidence and safe produce, advocating proper disposal of pesticide containers and adherence to pre-harvest intervals.
  • Peter Karanja, CEO of Mazao Group, identified knowledge gaps among farmers as a major barrier, urging reliance on trained agronomists and purchase from licensed dealers.

The renewed crackdown reflects the growing emphasis on food safety within Kenya’s agricultural sector. While illegal pesticides represent a small market share, their impact on farmers’ livelihoods and consumer health necessitates sustained enforcement coupled with robust education and digital verification tools.