October 2, 2025
The 2025 GLOBALG.A.P. Tourstop event held in Nairobi recently brought to the forefront the critical topics of pesticide safety, regulation, and sustainable use within Kenya’s agricultural sector. The three-day gathering united farmers, government officials, industry leaders, and experts to deliberate on market access challenges, regulatory compliance, and innovations shaping pest control practices.
Fredrick Muchiri, CEO of Kenya’s Pest Control Products Board (PCPB), emphasized the essential role governments play worldwide in protecting citizens from the inherent risks posed by pesticides. “Pesticides work because they are toxic to pests. This toxicity demands that their use is carefully controlled to prevent harm to humans and the environment,” he explained.
Muchiri clarified a common misconception surrounding Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs), which define acceptable pesticide residue levels in food products. Contrary to popular belief, MRLs are not direct measures of health safety but rather standards set primarily for international trade. Regions like the European Union (EU) may impose stricter MRLs than international Codex guidelines, presenting challenges for Kenyan exporters aiming to meet the varied requirements of global markets.
Cross-border trade remains a key challenge, particularly along the Kenya-Tanzania frontier, where unauthorized pesticide products often infiltrate Kenyan farms. Muchiri reported a significant reduction; around 70 to 80 percent, in illegal pesticide inflows due to strengthened enforcement and collaboration with border security agencies.
Addressing counterfeit pesticides and illegal imports continues to be a priority for PCPB. Kenya stands out in Africa as the only country conducting comprehensive risk assessments to inform regulatory decisions, a commitment that underscores the Board’s focus on consumer safety, operator protection, and environmental stewardship.
Responding to public concerns following media reports on pesticide residues in fresh produce, Muchiri highlighted PCPB’s capacity for advanced chemical analysis, enabling targeted monitoring of pesticides on commodities such as tomatoes, potatoes, kales, and onions. Recent tests confirmed that the pesticide levels in produce from areas like Nyandarua meet safety standards, providing reassurance to consumers.
Muchiri also noted that product interceptions in export markets are rarely caused by the pesticides themselves but often stem from farmers’ improper application or failure to follow recommended agricultural practices. He likens pesticide usage to medical prescriptions: adherence to label instructions regarding dosage, crop application, and pre-harvest intervals is vital to ensure safe and effective pest control.
To foster better practices, PCPB, in partnership with industry groups, has rolled out training programs targeting agricultural extension officers. These trainings aim to equip on-the-ground advisors with knowledge and tools to promote responsible pesticide use, ultimately reducing export rejections and enhancing the reputation of Kenyan produce abroad.
From the industry side, Eric Kimunguyi, CEO of Aak-GROW/Croplife, underscored the importance of toxicological data in the pesticide approval process. Products must demonstrate safety for consumers and marketability based on residue profiles and risk assessments.
Kimunguyi further clarified that disputes around MRLs largely reflect differing trade regulations rather than concerns about product toxicity. He also highlighted the sector’s commitment to collectively phasing out highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs), moving towards sustainable crop protection frameworks.
Innovation is also playing a transformative role, with companies adopting drone technology for precise pesticide applications and training specialized service providers equipped with protective gear to safely apply chemicals on behalf of farmers. This approach not only enhances safety but also addresses labor constraints.
However, Kimunguyi cautioned against sudden withdrawal of pesticide products without effective alternatives, warning that such actions could push users towards black market options, a ‘regrettable substitution’ that undermines regulatory goals.