In a sweeping move aimed at protecting public health and the environment, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has ordered the withdrawal of 77 pesticide products from the Kenyan market.
The decision, announced on Monday, follows a comprehensive review by the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) of all pest control substances currently approved for use in the country. Out of 430 products assessed, several were found to pose serious risks to humans, animals, crops, and ecosystems.
The review prompted immediate action: 77 products were delisted entirely, use of another 202 was restricted to specific crops, and 151 more were flagged for ongoing review, with a final decision expected by December 2025.
Among the high-risk substances removed from circulation are DDT a once-common agricultural pesticide and other hazardous chemicals like chlordane, ethylene dichloride, and alachlor. Additionally, products containing active ingredients such as acephate, chlorothalonil, pymetrozine, thiacloprid, and kasugamycin have also been withdrawn.
CS Kagwe said the decision marks a deliberate shift toward safer, more sustainable agricultural practices. “This move reflects our commitment to aligning Kenya’s farming standards with global benchmarks, ensuring food safety for consumers, and preserving our environment,” he stated.
To prevent future risks, the ministry has rolled out stricter guidelines. Any pest control product intended for use in Kenya must now be registered in its country of origin. Moreover, no product that is banned in jurisdictions like the European Union, the United States, Australia, or Canada will be allowed into Kenya during the review period.
Kagwe urged farmers, importers, and distributors to observe the new directives, emphasizing that safety and sustainability are non-negotiable priorities for the government.
This reform signals a major shift in Kenya’s approach to agricultural inputs one that places public health and environmental stewardship at the center of food production policy.
