Pest control and plant protection bills to boost food safety and security, PS tells MPs

The proposed Plant Protection Bill, 2025 and Pest Control Products Bill, 2025 are expected to significantly strengthen food safety and security in Kenya, the Principal Secretary for Agriculture, Dr. Paul Rono, has told Members of Parliament.

Dr. Rono made the remarks while appearing before the National Assembly Agriculture and Livestock Committee to sensitise members on the Plant Protection Bill, 2025.

The proposed law seeks to establish a regulatory and institutional framework for preventing the introduction, establishment and spread of plant pests, managing plant pests, facilitating safe trade in plants and plant products, and addressing related matters.

The PS noted that the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) and the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) play a critical role in managing the country’s food system and must be strengthened to effectively discharge their mandates.

“These Bills are coming at the right time. They are comprehensive and ready to move to the next level. They will enhance disease control measures and enforce compliance,” Dr. Rono said.

He said that the government must enforce penalties and ensure that those selling counterfeit products are brought to book because they pose a serious danger to Kenyans and the environment.

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Presenting the rationale behind the Plant Protection Bill, KEPHIS Director Dr. Isaac Macharia told the committee that the current Plant Protection Act (Cap 324) was enacted in 1937 and last reviewed in 1972, making it outdated. He added that the new Bill seeks to clearly define and separate the roles of the National and County governments in pest management.

Committee Chairperson and MP Tigania West John Mutunga MP Tigania West questioned the proposed Kshs 250,000 penalty for offenders, arguing that it was too lenient to deter violations.

He also raised concerns over the proposed quarantine measures, seeking clarity on their capacity to handle large volumes of goods and whether alternative routes could be effectively sealed.

Meanwhile, Kanduyi MP John Makali cautioned against potential legal disputes, urging that the Bill clearly outline and distinguish the responsibilities of the National and County governments in pest management.

The committee was also briefed on the Pest Control Products Bill, 2025, which proposes to regulate the importation, exportation, manufacture, distribution, advertising, use and disposal of pest control products. The Bill further seeks to establish the Pest Control Products Authority and define its powers and functions.

Both Bills are expected to enhance regulatory oversight, curb counterfeit agricultural inputs, and strengthen Kenya’s food safety and security framework once enacted.

By Obegi Malack

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