Kenya has taken a bold step toward safer farming and food systems by withdrawing 77 pesticide products from circulation—many of which have long been flagged as highly hazardous. The move is being hailed by environmental and health advocates as a win for farmers, consumers, and the environment.
Highlights:
- 77 pesticide products have been officially withdrawn from the Kenyan market.
- Banned chemicals include glyphosate, paraquat, mancozeb, and others.
- Decision aligns with a law barring import of pesticides banned in their origin countries.
- Civil society and organic farming groups welcome the move, calling for full enforcement.
- Focus now shifts to safer alternatives like biopesticides and agroecology.
Main Story:
Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe announced the withdrawal of 77 pesticide products, including over 50 considered Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs). The banned substances—such as paraquat and mancozeb—have been linked to cancer, reproductive harm, and environmental destruction.
The decision follows the implementation of the Business Laws (Amendment) Act 2024, which prohibits the importation of chemical products banned in their country of origin. A 2025 parliamentary report also found hundreds of hazardous pesticides still in use in Kenya despite bans in the EU and other regions.
Groups such as the Biodiversity and Biosafety Association of Kenya (BIBA) and Kenya Organic Agriculture Network (KOAN) praised the move but urged the government to publicly release the full list of withdrawn products. They also called for strict market enforcement and support for safer alternatives.
The ban aligns with Kenya’s broader National Agroecology Strategy, which aims to reduce dependence on synthetic inputs and promote environmentally sound farming practices. Experts now urge investment in farmer education, biopesticide research, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
As Kenya clears its fields of toxic pesticides, the real harvest will be seen in healthier food, safer farms, and a cleaner future.
