- Senate raises concerns over the continued sale of counterfeit and unregistered pesticides.
- Senators want tougher enforcement and stronger monitoring of agro dealers nationwide.
- Committee calls for better farmer education and pesticide residue checks to protect consumers.
The Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries has raised concerns over the continued sale of unregistered, expired and counterfeit pesticides in the country, questioning the effectiveness of existing regulatory and enforcement measures.
The concerns were raised during a consultative meeting between the Committee and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development to assess key issues affecting the agricultural sector.
Senators questioned the capacity of the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) to maintain an updated database of pesticide dealers and premises handling pest control products across all 47 counties.
The Committee also sought details on enforcement action taken against businesses found violating pesticide regulations and raised concerns over inadequate follow-up inspections of agro-dealers.
Members called for stronger enforcement to ensure repeat offenders are held accountable and to prevent the continued circulation of unsafe products.
The Committee further urged the Government to intensify farmer education on the safe use of pesticides. This includes proper application, use of protective equipment, adherence to pre-harvest intervals and the safe disposal of empty pesticide containers.
Senators also questioned whether the PCPB has adequate capacity to regularly review registered pesticides and independently assess their safety through scientific research and laboratory testing.
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The Committee highlighted the importance of pesticide residue monitoring, particularly following concerns linked to potato production in Nyandarua County.
Members called for continuous nationwide surveillance of pesticide residues to protect consumers and ensure agricultural products meet safety requirements in both local and international markets.
The Committee reviewed the status of the National Agricultural Extension Policy, national standards and guidelines governing extension services, as well as coordination between the two levels of government through the Joint Agriculture Sector Steering Committee (JASSCOM).
Senators expressed concern over the availability and distribution of extension officers across the counties, including officer-to-farmer ratios, funding and opportunities for capacity building. They stressed the need to strengthen collaboration between farmers, county extension officers and national agricultural research institutions.
According to the Committee, closer links between research institutions and farmers would help ensure that research findings, innovations and new agricultural technologies reach farmers and translate into higher productivity.
The consultative meeting also covered other key agricultural issues, including sugar importation and the Government’s fertiliser subsidy programme, as the Senate continues to assess measures aimed at improving agricultural productivity and strengthening the country’s food security.
By Obegi Malack
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