NAIROBI, Kenya — The Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) has warned farmers and agro-dealers to only buy, sell, and use pest control products registered and approved by the regulator, following the seizure of illegal chemicals and arrests of traders in Taveta and Oloitoktok counties.
In a public notice issued on Monday, PCPB said farmers must strictly apply pest control products only for their approved uses, while agro-dealers are required to operate from PCPB-certified premises and sell only authorised products.
The board said compliance is critical to ensure food safety and protect consumers from health risks linked to illegal chemicals.
“Compliance with these requirements will ensure that food placed on the market is safe for consumers and free from risks associated with illegal pest control products,” PCPB said in the notice.
The warning follows enforcement operations conducted last week in collaboration with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
Inspections were carried out in Madarasani, Challa, Maandakini, and Taveta Market, where officers seized illegal pest control products and arrested several traders.
Those arrested were arraigned before the Taveta Principal Magistrates’ Court, PCPB said, without disclosing the number of suspects charged or the value of the seized products.
PCPB said it will intensify nationwide surveillance and enforcement to curb the distribution and use of illegal pest control products, warning that anyone found dealing in or using unregistered chemicals will face arrest, prosecution, and penalties under the Pest Control Products Act.
The board has repeatedly cautioned that illegal and unregulated pest control products pose serious risks to human health, the environment, and agricultural exports, particularly due to chemical residues in food.
Kenya has in recent years faced increased scrutiny over pesticide residues in export produce, prompting tighter enforcement by regulators.
PCPB urged farmers to verify products before purchase and report suspected illegal chemicals to authorities, as the government steps up efforts to clean up the agro-inputs market and safeguard public health.
