Agricultural experts have urged the government to urgently prioritize organic farming, warning that the growing consumption of chemically produced foods is contributing to a rise in lifestyle diseases and certain types of cancer in the country.
The call was made during the graduation ceremony of students pursuing organic agriculture studies at the College of Sustainable Agriculture for Eastern Africa in Kilimambogo, Thika East, Kiambu County. The event brought together students, farmers, development partners and stakeholders in sustainable agriculture, highlighting mounting concerns over food safety and public health in Kenya.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ngugi Mutuura, Director of the Sustainable Agriculture Community Development Programme (SACDEP), said the country stood at a critical crossroads in how it produces and consumes food. He challenged the government to support institutions and organizations championing organic farming, describing it as a practical solution to rising unemployment, environmental degradation and the growing public health burden.
“We are raising a red flag. The food we are consuming today is increasingly becoming toxic due to excessive use of fertilizers and harmful chemicals,” Mutuura said. “Some agricultural entrepreneurs, driven by get-rich-quick motives, are using chemicals to ripen crops quickly for the market without considering the long-term health consequences.”
Mutuura linked these practices to the increasing cases of lifestyle diseases and what he termed “strange cancers,” warning that without urgent intervention, food production could become a serious public health threat.
ALSO READ:
Over 20 Cooperatives mobilized to support livestock vaccination drive in Kericho
He also criticized existing agricultural policies that prioritize subsidized chemical fertilizers and genetically modified (GMO) seeds without placing equal emphasis on organic alternatives. According to Mutuura, Kenya has increasingly become a destination market for agro-chemicals that are restricted or banned in other parts of the world.
“It is worrying that we are encouraging a model that prioritizes yield at the expense of health,” he said. “We need clear policies that protect organic farming and ensure separation between organic and GMO produce. Products must be clearly labeled on supermarket shelves so consumers can make informed choices.”
Mutuura further urged the government to invest in training institutions such as the College of Sustainable Agriculture for Eastern Africa, noting that organic farming has significant potential to create employment for thousands of young people while promoting safer food systems.
The chief guest at the ceremony, Dr. Annette Massman from Germany, echoed the concerns, encouraging young people to embrace organic farming not only as a profession but also as a viable business opportunity.
“Organic food plays a significant role in reducing lifestyle diseases, especially those linked to poor diets such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, heart disease, certain cancers and digestive disorders,” Dr. Massman said.
However, she emphasized that solutions go beyond labels alone.
ALSO READ:
SASRA suspends 5 SACCOs from receiving deposits due to unrenewed license
“It is not the word ‘organic’ that makes the difference — it is the overall quality and nutritional value of what we eat,” she noted. “We must return to natural, balanced diets and responsible farming practices.”
Dr. Massman also observed that the college’s focus on sustainable and organic agriculture has attracted students from diverse regions, including highland areas, arid and semi-arid lands, and pastoral communities seeking climate-resilient farming methods.
Graduates, including Meshack Mutata, expressed optimism that the skills they had acquired would help transform agriculture in their communities by improving soil health, reducing dependence on chemical inputs and raising food safety standards.
The school principal, Ruth Mukiri, cited the limited number of institutions offering organic agriculture training as a major challenge, calling on private players to help bridge the gap. She maintained that with supportive policies, increased public awareness and investment in organic value chains, Kenya could significantly improve public health while tackling youth unemployment and environmental degradation.
“The future of agriculture must not only feed the nation,” Mukiri said. “It must also safeguard its health.”
By Felix Wanderi
Get more stories from our website: Sacco Review.
For comments and clarifications, write to: Saccoreview@
Kindly follow us via our social media pages on Facebook: Sacco Review Newspaper for timely updates
Stay ahead of the pack! Grab the latest Sacco Review newspaper!
