Kenya has issued a strong call for regional collaboration in the fight against harmful agrochemicals, with Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe warning of entrenched commercial interests obstructing necessary reforms. Speaking at the opening of the 2025 Africa Regional Consultation in Nairobi, Kagwe described a persistent resistance to change, including interference in legislative processes and manipulation of public opinion through the media.
Kagwe emphasized that the fight for safer food systems is not merely a regulatory concern but a fundamental issue of public health and environmental sustainability. He noted that vested interests, including what he termed “pesticide cartels,” are determined to stall progress by protecting profit-driven practices at the expense of people and the planet.
“This is not just a policy issue, it is a fight for the health of our people, the integrity of our food systems, and the future of our environment,” he stated, urging stakeholders to push back against these forces.
The Agriculture CS reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to phasing out harmful agrochemicals, strengthening food safety legislation, and equipping farmers with climate-smart technologies and practices. He highlighted the Agricultural Sector Transformation and Growth Strategy as a critical tool in promoting inclusive, sustainable agriculture and enabling the country to meet international standards on sanitary and phytosanitary measures, thereby expanding access to global markets.
Kagwe also commended longstanding partnerships in agricultural innovation, particularly efforts to combat invasive species like fall armyworm and desert locusts, and the promotion of nature-based solutions such as the National Prosopis Strategy. He lauded the collaborative achievements that have enhanced agricultural resilience across Africa over the past three decades.
As climate change continues to intensify pest threats and pesticide misuse, Kagwe called on African governments to harmonize their regulatory frameworks. He proposed the development of joint oversight mechanisms and comprehensive farmer education campaigns to address these cross-border challenges.
“Let us not leave this room with just another communiqué. Let this be a turning point, a moment where political courage meets scientific truth,” Kagwe declared, calling for urgent, coordinated action.
Kenya aims to play a leading role in regional platforms such as the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), positioning itself at the forefront of efforts to foster resilient, science-driven agricultural systems. He also stressed the importance of South-South cooperation, highlighting shared learning and innovation as vital for sustainable progress.
The consultation continues through June 13, with delegates expected to outline a roadmap for eliminating toxic pesticides and promoting a greener, more sustainable agricultural future for the continent.
Kenya has issued a strong call for regional collaboration in the fight against harmful agrochemicals, with Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe warning of entrenched commercial interests obstructing necessary reforms. Speaking at the opening of the 2025 Africa Regional Consultation in Nairobi, Kagwe described a persistent resistance to change, including interference in legislative processes and manipulation of public opinion through the media.
Kagwe emphasized that the fight for safer food systems is not merely a regulatory concern but a fundamental issue of public health and environmental sustainability. He noted that vested interests, including what he termed “pesticide cartels,” are determined to stall progress by protecting profit-driven practices at the expense of people and the planet.
“This is not just a policy issue, it is a fight for the health of our people, the integrity of our food systems, and the future of our environment,” he stated, urging stakeholders to push back against these forces.
The Agriculture CS reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to phasing out harmful agrochemicals, strengthening food safety legislation, and equipping farmers with climate-smart technologies and practices. He highlighted the Agricultural Sector Transformation and Growth Strategy as a critical tool in promoting inclusive, sustainable agriculture and enabling the country to meet international standards on sanitary and phytosanitary measures, thereby expanding access to global markets.
Kagwe also commended longstanding partnerships in agricultural innovation, particularly efforts to combat invasive species like fall armyworm and desert locusts, and the promotion of nature-based solutions such as the National Prosopis Strategy. He lauded the collaborative achievements that have enhanced agricultural resilience across Africa over the past three decades.
As climate change continues to intensify pest threats and pesticide misuse, Kagwe called on African governments to harmonize their regulatory frameworks. He proposed the development of joint oversight mechanisms and comprehensive farmer education campaigns to address these cross-border challenges.
“Let us not leave this room with just another communiqué. Let this be a turning point, a moment where political courage meets scientific truth,” Kagwe declared, calling for urgent, coordinated action.
Kenya aims to play a leading role in regional platforms such as the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), positioning itself at the forefront of efforts to foster resilient, science-driven agricultural systems. He also stressed the importance of South-South cooperation, highlighting shared learning and innovation as vital for sustainable progress.
The consultation continues through June 13, with delegates expected to outline a roadmap for eliminating toxic pesticides and promoting a greener, more sustainable agricultural future for the continent.
