KERUGOYA, Kenya — Coffee farmers in Kirinyaga County have received training on the safe and responsible use of pesticides during the Nyeri International Coffee Expo (NICE) 2026 as the government intensified nationwide sensitisation efforts on sustainable agricultural practices.
The training was conducted by the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) at Kerugoya Stadium, where farmers, agricultural stakeholders, and industry players gathered for the annual coffee sector forum.
During the engagement, PCPB officers guided farmers on key issues aimed at improving coffee productivity and quality while protecting human health and the environment.
The training covered coffee pest and disease identification and management, purchase of pesticides from certified dealers, identification of legal and illegal pest control products, and safe handling and application of pesticides.
Farmers were also sensitised on the importance of using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), integrated pest management (IPM) practices, and adherence to Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) to support food safety and maintain access to local and international markets.
According to the Board, promoting responsible pesticide use is critical in ensuring sustainable coffee farming and reducing health and environmental risks associated with the misuse of agricultural chemicals.
The expo brought together coffee farmers, government agencies, industry stakeholders, and agricultural experts to share knowledge and strengthen Good Agricultural Practices within Kenya’s coffee sector.
Coffee remains one of Kenya’s major cash crops and a significant source of foreign exchange earnings and rural livelihoods.
Thousands of small-scale farmers across central Kenya and other coffee-growing regions depend on the crop for household income and employment.
The Nyeri International Coffee Expo also served as a platform for discussions on innovation, climate resilience, value addition, and market access within the coffee industry as stakeholders seek to boost Kenya’s competitiveness in the global coffee market.
