Gov’t announces ban of  77 pesticides in Kenya, restrict use of 202 others

The government has banned 77 pesticides and restricted the use of 202 others found to contain harmful active ingredients.

Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said the ban has been arrived at after a thorough review of pesticide products registered in the Kenyan market by the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB).

The CS said regulatory move is aimed at protecting public health, agriculture, and the environment.

“Following scientific assessment and stakeholder consultations we have identified certain active ingredients and associated end-use products that pose unacceptable risks to human health, crops, livestock and the environment” said Kagwe in a statement.

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The review was conducted on 430 end use products currently being used by farmers across the country, 151 other products are currently being reviewed by the PCPB with the process expected to conclude by December this year.

Kagwe stated that the use or importation of the 151 products remain prohibited until the end of the review.

“We urge all farmers, distributors, and stakeholders to comply fully with these new regulations and to adopt safe, effective, and environmentally friendly pest management alternatives,” he said.

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The CS also stated that the importation of any molecular under review that is not approved in the European Union, the United States of America, Australia and Canada shall be prohibited until finalization and review.

He directed importers of pest control products to ensure the products are registered in their country of origin and has prohibited registration of products banned in the international market under multilateral environmental agreements.

The CS also announced that the ministry has finalized a Draft Pest Control Products Bill aimed at enhancing pesticide regulation.

By Obegi Malack

obegimalack@gmail.com

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