Kenya’s agricultural landscape is set for a major shift following the withdrawal of 77 pesticides from the market due to concerns over human and environmental safety. The move, announced on June 23, 2025, follows a comprehensive safety review of pest control products by the Pest Control and Products Board (PCPB), aimed at aligning Kenya’s agricultural practices with international standards and safeguarding public health.
The withdrawn pesticides include substances such as ethylene dichloride (a fumigant), alachlor (a herbicide), chlordane (an insecticide), and dichlorophenyl trichloroethane chemicals that have long been under scrutiny globally for their toxicity and environmental impact. These products have now been indefinitely removed from circulation within Kenya.
A total of 430 pesticide products were evaluated, resulting in the ban of 77 end-use pesticides, restrictions placed on 202 others for specific crop use, and an additional 151 put under further review. The review process is expected to be concluded by December 2025. The criteria for the review included potential harm to human health, livestock, crops, and the broader ecosystem.
In a significant policy shift, the ministry has directed that any pesticide or pest control product registered for use in Kenya must also be legally registered in its country of origin. This decision is intended to ensure that only internationally accepted and scientifically tested products are allowed into the Kenyan market.
The directive also prohibits the registration of any pesticide that is internationally banned, reinforcing Kenya’s commitment to global environmental and food safety protocols. This measure follows increasing pressure from health experts and environmental advocates to reduce the use of hazardous chemicals in food production.
Stakeholders in the agricultural sector including pesticide distributors, retailers, and farmers have been urged to strictly observe the new regulations. Non-compliance may attract penalties, and authorities have emphasized the importance of transitioning to safer alternatives as part of broader sustainable agriculture initiatives.
The ministry has underscored that these changes are part of a broader reform agenda to improve food safety, protect farm workers and consumers, and reduce long-term ecological damage. It also reflects Kenya’s strategic goal of promoting environmentally responsible farming practices while maintaining productivity.
As the country moves forward with these reforms, emphasis will be placed on education and support for farmers to adopt integrated pest management practices and other environmentally friendly farming techniques. The shift is expected to significantly impact how pest control is approached in the country, with long-term benefits for public health and biodiversity.
