The Kenyan government has ordered the immediate withdrawal of 77 pesticide products from the market after a scientific review found they contain ingredients that pose serious risks to human health, crops, animals, and the environment.
Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe announced the decision on Monday, stating that the move followed a detailed evaluation by the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB).
“Following scientific assessment and stakeholder consultations, we have identified certain active ingredients and associated end-use products that pose unacceptable risks,” Kagwe said in Nairobi.
The withdrawn products are part of a larger review of 430 pesticide formulations currently in use across the country. Out of those, 202 products have been restricted to specific crops, while 151 are still under review. Kagwe confirmed that use and importation of the 151 pending products is prohibited until the review is complete in December 2025.
“The process aims to align Kenya’s pest control regulations with global safety standards,” he added.
In addition to the ban, Kagwe directed that all pest control products imported into Kenya must be registered in their country of origin. Any products banned under international environmental agreements will no longer be eligible for registration in Kenya.
“Importation of any molecular compound under review that is not approved in the European Union, the United States, Australia, or Canada shall be prohibited until the final review,” Kagwe stated.
The government’s actions follow increasing pressure from health and environmental advocates who have raised alarm over unregulated pesticide use in agriculture. The new policy is expected to improve food safety and reduce chemical pollution, especially in farming zones heavily reliant on pesticides.
Kagwe urged all importers, distributors, and farmers to comply with the new guidelines to safeguard public health and ensure environmental sustainability. Further directives on the safe disposal of the banned products are expected in the coming weeks.
