Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has announced the withdrawal of 77 pesticide products from the Kenyan market due to safety concerns.
In a statement, CS Kagwe emphasized the importance of reviewing all registered pesticides in Kenya to ensure that Pest
Control Products (PCPs) are safe for both human health and the environment.
The review conducted by the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) involved a thorough examination of 430 products, revealing several that present unacceptable risks to human health, crops, livestock, and the ecosystem.
As a result, the use of 202 products has been restricted on various crops, while another 151 products are currently under review by the PCPB, with an expected decision on their approval by December 2025.
Among the banned items are well-known pesticides such as DDT (Dichlorodiphenyl Trichloroethane), chlordane (an insecticide), ethylene dichloride (a fumigant), and alachlor (a herbicide).
Additionally, active ingredients including acephate, chlorothalonil, pymetrozine, thiacloropid, diuron, POE tallow amine, kasugamycin, and pyridalyl have been removed from the Kenyan market.
The ministry has also mandated that all PCP products considered for registration in Kenya must first be approved in their country of origin to ensure public safety.
Furthermore, any internationally banned PCPs will not be registered for use in Kenya, and the importation of any molecules currently under review that lack approval in the European Union, the United States, Australia, and Canada is prohibited until a final decision is made.
Farmers and distributors are encouraged to adhere to these regulations for the safety of all Kenyans.
CS Kagwe stated, “This action is part of our continuous efforts to align Kenya’s agricultural practices with international best standards, ensure food safety for all Kenyans, and promote sustainable agriculture.”