MOLO, Kenya – The government has announced a ban on over 50 pesticide brands, many of which were previously prohibited in their countries of origin.
Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary, Mutahi Kagwe, confirmed the decision during an event in Molo, Nakuru County, on May 7, 2025.
The decision follows a report from the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB), which highlighted the risks associated with several chemical pesticides that have been imported into the country.
Kagwe explained that these harmful pesticides would no longer be allowed entry into Kenya, with the government pushing for local production of safer alternatives.
“The Pest Control Products Board has provided me with a list of over 50 products that we are now banning. These pesticides, which have been imported for pest control, are either dangerous or banned in their countries of origin,” Kagwe stated. “We will now focus on creating safer, locally manufactured pesticide solutions.”
The announcement came during the launch of a program aimed at distributing one million clean pyrethrum planting materials, a key step in promoting sustainable farming practices.
GOVERNMENT BANS OVER 50 HARMFUL PESTICIDE BRANDS, EYES PYRETHRUM EXPANSIONCS Sen @Mutahi__Kagwe, has announced a ban on more than 50 pesticide brands, particularly those prohibited in their countries of origin.
The event, held in Molo, saw the participation of top government officials, including Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, and Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha.
Kagwe emphasized the government’s commitment to boosting local agriculture by encouraging the production of pyrethrum, a key ingredient in many pesticides.
This initiative is expected to both reduce reliance on harmful imported pesticides and strengthen Kenya’s agricultural sector.
“The government is determined to not only ensure safer products for pest control but also to create a thriving, local industry,” Kagwe added. “We are planning to increase pyrethrum farming from the current 10,000 acres to over 70,000 acres nationwide. This expansion will not only provide local pesticide solutions but also create thousands of jobs.”
In his remarks, Kagwe assured farmers that they would have access to profitable markets within Kenya, making local sales more viable than exports.
“Your market is right here in Kenya,” he stated, urging farmers to focus on local demand for pyrethrum-based products.
The government’s decision to tackle harmful pesticide use and boost local agricultural production has been hailed by environmentalists, farmers, and the general public.
It is seen as a significant step toward improving public health, creating jobs, and reducing Kenya’s dependency on foreign chemical products.
As Kenya moves to regulate and improve its pesticide industry, the government is also exploring ways to streamline the pyrethrum sector to benefit farmers and the economy as a whole.
With the announcement of the new plans, the government has called for collaboration from both the public and private sectors to ensure the success of the initiative and its long-term benefits for Kenya’s agricultural landscape.
