Farmers, activists demand full disclosure on pesticides ban amid health and legal fears
The demand is being led by the Route to Food Initiative and supported by other groups such as the Biodiversity and Biosafety Association of Kenya, Kenya Organic Agriculture Network, and the Consumer Grassroots Association.
Farmers and civil society groups have raised concerns over the lack of clarity on the recent government ban of over 50 harmful pesticides, saying it is leaving them in the dark and exposing them to health and legal risks.
They say that without a clear and published list of the affected products, many farmers could unknowingly continue using the banned chemicals on their crops.
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The Ministry of Agriculture, through Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, announced the ban on May 7.
While the move was widely welcomed, pressure is now mounting on the Pests Control Products Board to publish the full list of affected products so that farmers, retailers and consumers can take appropriate action.
“These pesticides are extensively applied across Kenya’s staple and export-oriented crops and have repeatedly been documented to pose significant acute and chronic health and environmental risks,” said a joint statement by several civil society organisations.
The demand is being led by the Route to Food Initiative and supported by other groups such as the Biodiversity and Biosafety Association of Kenya, Kenya Organic Agriculture Network, and the Consumer Grassroots Association.
Others backing the call include the Kenya Parliamentary Human Rights Association, Resources Oriented Development Initiatives, and the Centre for Environment Justice and Development.
The groups warn that without full disclosure, banned products may continue circulating in markets and being used on farms, undermining the purpose of the ban.
They also say farmers need guidance on safe alternatives and government support to adopt them.
Ann Maina, national coordinator at the Biodiversity and Biosafety Association of Kenya, said the situation highlights the urgent need to shift towards safer and more sustainable farming methods.
“We are happy the Ministry of Agriculture passed the National Agroecology Strategy in November 2024. Agroecology promotes a transition to sustainable production methods with the gradual withdrawal of highly hazardous pesticides and synthetic fertilisers,” she said.
“We call on the government to support the production of biofertilisers and biopesticides through the input subsidy programme,” Maina added.
The groups say proper implementation of the ban would not only protect the health of farmers and consumers but also help preserve the environment and uphold Kenya’s global commitments under the FAO/WHO International Code of Conduct on Pesticide Management.
They also pointed to the Business Laws (Amendment) Act, 2024, saying its provisions on chemical standards make it essential for all banned products to be clearly listed and withdrawn.
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