November 27, 2025
Kenya has intensified its nationwide crackdown on counterfeit and illegal pesticides, following the seizure of 23 tons of unauthorized agrochemicals at the Port of Mombasa, a major victory in efforts to protect farmers, consumers, and the environment.
The 40-foot container, intercepted at the Regional Container Freight Station (CFS) in Kilindini, was confiscated through a joint operation by the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Port Police. The illegal consignment had been smuggled into the country through the Port of Mombasa, highlighting the growing sophistication of cross-border agrochemical trafficking networks.
PCPB says such operations signal a renewed push to tighten surveillance at all entry points. The Board has increased inspections, monitoring, and intelligence-sharing across Kenya’s borders to prevent illegal products from entering local supply chains.
The seizure comes at a time when industry stakeholders are raising alarm over the rising influx of counterfeit pesticides, products that threaten Kenya’s agricultural productivity, contaminate soils, and expose farmers to serious health hazards.
At a recent sensitisation forum at the Malaba border, agrochemical firms, regulators, and border officials called for stronger laws and deeper regional cooperation to curb the flow of fake pesticides from neighboring countries.
Joel Mutai, Regulatory and Liaison Manager at aak-GROW, underscored the urgency of coordinated action. “Kenya is collaborating closely with Uganda and plans to extend joint efforts to Tanzania and other East African nations to stop the circulation of illegal agrochemicals,” he said.
PCPB has already stationed inspectors at key One-Stop Border Posts, Taveta-Holili, Lunga Lunga, Loitokitok, Namanga, Isebania, and Malaba, working alongside Ugandan regulators to intercept suspicious products. According to PCPB’s Lawrence Kalawa, about 70 cases of illegal pesticide trade are currently before the courts. He warned that traders caught handling unregistered products will face prosecution, adding that PCPB has published a guidebook highlighting common counterfeit brands to assist enforcement officials.
From across the border, CropLife Uganda’s Betty Atto reinforced the call for tighter laws and harmonized enforcement. “We must clean up the market and the borders so that farmers are protected from fake pesticides,” she said.
Local agro-dealers are also taking action. Andrew Netia, Secretary of the Busia County Agro-dealers Association, noted that educating farmers remains essential. “We are training farmers on the dangers of counterfeit pesticides and promoting the use of legally registered Kenyan products to safeguard their crops,” he said.
The recent Mombasa seizure adds fresh momentum to the national crackdown, reinforcing the message that illegal pesticides will not be tolerated. PCPB says partnerships with the DCI Port Police, customs officials, and other agencies will continue to expand, with more stringent checks on cargo entering the country.