An in-depth look at Kenya’s decisive action to withdraw 77 pesticide products, restrict 202 others, and review 151 more, as announced by Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe, to safeguard health and the environment.
Kenya’s agricultural sector, a cornerstone of the nation’s economy, is undergoing a significant transformation as the government intensifies efforts to ensure food safety and environmental sustainability. On June 23, 2025, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe announced a sweeping regulatory move that has sent ripples through the farming community and beyond. The Ministry of Agriculture, through the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB), has withdrawn 77 end-use pesticide products from the Kenyan market, placed strict restrictions on the use of 202 others on various crops, and put an additional 151 products under review. This bold action, aimed at protecting public health, agriculture, and the environment, marks a pivotal moment in Kenya’s journey toward safer farming practices.
The decision to withdraw these pesticides stems from growing concerns about their impact on human health, biodiversity, and Kenya’s agricultural exports. Many of the banned products contain active ingredients linked to serious health risks, including cancer, reproductive issues, and environmental degradation. “We have taken decisive regulatory action to withdraw 77 end-use products from the Kenyan market and to restrict the use of 202 products on various crops,” Kagwe stated during a press briefing in Nairobi. “A further 151 products are under review by the PCPB, with a decision on their approval expected by December 2025.” The move aligns with global standards, particularly those set by the European Union, the United States, and other developed nations where many of these pesticides are already prohibited.
For Kenyan farmers, who rely heavily on pesticides to protect crops like maize, tomatoes, and horticultural exports, the announcement is both a challenge and an opportunity. The banned pesticides include well-known chemicals such as chlordane, DDT, and endosulfan, which have long been flagged as highly hazardous by international bodies like the World Health Organization. “These are not just chemicals; they’re risks to our health and our land,” said Jane Wambui, a small-scale farmer in Kiambu County. “I’ve used some of these products without knowing their dangers, so I’m relieved the government is stepping in, but I need help to find alternatives.” Her sentiments echo those of many farmers who face the daunting task of transitioning to safer pest management methods.
The restricted pesticides, totaling 202 products, can still be used but only under stringent conditions. For instance, some are limited to specific crops or application methods to minimize exposure to humans and non-target organisms like pollinators. The PCPB has also prohibited the importation of the 151 products under review until their safety is confirmed. “Our priority is to ensure that every pesticide used in Kenya meets the highest safety standards,” said Fredrick Muchiri, acting CEO of the PCPB. “We’re not just banning products; we’re building a system that protects farmers, consumers, and our environment.”
The government’s actions are part of a broader strategy to boost Kenya’s agricultural exports, which have faced scrutiny in markets like the European Union. In 2024, the EU rejected 95 Kenyan consignments, including flowers and vegetables, due to pesticide residues exceeding maximum residue levels. “We cannot afford to lose our markets because of unsafe practices,” Kagwe emphasized. “By aligning with international standards, we’re not only protecting our people but also securing our place in global trade.” To support this, the Ministry has mandated that all pest control products considered for registration in Kenya must be approved in their country of origin and comply with multilateral environmental agreements.
The announcement has not been without controversy. Some agrochemical companies and farmers’ groups have expressed concerns about the economic impact of the bans. “These products are affordable and effective,” said John Mwangi, a retailer in Nakuru who sells pesticides to local farmers. “Removing them suddenly could hurt small-scale farmers who can’t afford expensive alternatives.” Kagwe, however, dismissed such concerns, accusing powerful pesticide cartels of sabotaging reform efforts. “We are aware that banned pesticide cartels are fighting back through bribery and media manipulation,” he said during a recent address at the Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International (CABI) Africa Regional Consultation. “But we will not relent in our commitment to food safety.”
To ease the transition, the government is promoting locally produced alternatives, particularly those derived from pyrethrum, a natural pesticide grown in Kenya. Kagwe unveiled plans to expand pyrethrum farming from 10,000 acres to over 70,000 acres, a move expected to create jobs and reduce reliance on imported chemicals. “Pyrethrum is our heritage, and it’s safer for our crops and our people,” said Sarah Ndungu, a pyrethrum farmer in Nyandarua County. “I’m hopeful this will bring more support to farmers like me.” The Ministry is also collaborating with county governments to train farmers on integrated pest management, which combines biological controls, crop rotation, and minimal chemical use to maintain yields while reducing risks.
Civil society organizations have largely welcomed the bans but urged greater transparency. “We commend the government for this bold step, but the public deserves to know the names of the banned products,” said Anne Maina, national coordinator of the Biodiversity and Biosafety Association of Kenya. Her organization, along with others like the Route to Food Initiative, has called for the PCPB to publish a detailed list of the 77 withdrawn products and establish clear timelines for their removal from stores. They also advocate for an independent expert panel to oversee pesticide regulation, ensuring decisions are free from industry influence.
The bans build on earlier actions taken by the Ministry. In May 2025, Kagwe announced the prohibition of 50 pesticide products, a decision that drew praise from environmentalists but criticism from some lawmakers who accused the PCPB of delaying implementation. “This is a matter of life and death,” said Raphael Wanjala, chair of the National Assembly’s Committee on Implementation, during an April 2025 meeting. “Why are harmful chemicals still on our shelves years after they were flagged?” The latest announcement suggests the government is accelerating its efforts, though challenges remain in enforcing compliance and monitoring illegal imports.
The environmental benefits of the bans are significant. Pesticides like DDT and endosulfan are notorious for persisting in soil and water, harming wildlife and contaminating food chains. By phasing them out, Kenya aims to protect its biodiversity, including vital pollinators like bees, which are critical to agriculture. “I’ve noticed fewer bees in my fields over the years,” said Peter Kamau, a maize farmer in Uasin Gishu. “If these bans help bring them back, it’s worth the effort to change how we farm.” The Ministry is also investing in research to develop eco-friendly pest control solutions, partnering with institutions like CABI to combat invasive pests like the fall armyworm without relying on toxic chemicals.
For consumers, the bans promise safer food. Studies have shown that pesticide residues in Kenyan produce, particularly tomatoes and kale, often exceed safe levels, posing risks of chronic illnesses. “As a mother, I worry about what’s in the vegetables I buy,” said Mary Wanjiku, a Nairobi resident. “Knowing the government is cracking down on harmful pesticides gives me some peace of mind.” The PCPB is working to strengthen residue monitoring, ensuring that food reaching markets meets international safety standards.
The road ahead will require sustained effort. Farmers need access to affordable, effective alternatives and training to adopt new practices. Retailers must clear their shelves of banned products, and regulators must crack down on illegal imports, which have been a persistent problem. “We’ve intercepted unregistered pesticides at the Port of Mombasa,” said Stanley Nganga, PCPB’s Coast Regional Manager. “It’s a cat-and-mouse game, but we’re committed to winning it.”
Kagwe’s announcement signals a turning point for Kenyan agriculture, one that prioritizes health, sustainability, and global competitiveness. As the country navigates this transition, the collaboration between farmers, regulators, and civil society will be crucial. “This is about our future,” Kagwe concluded. “We’re building an agriculture sector that feeds our people, protects our land, and stands tall on the world stage.”
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