Kenya Bans 77 Pesticides, Restricts 202 More to Safeguard Public Health and Agriculture

In a major regulatory shift aimed at enhancing food safety and environmental sustainability, Kenya has officially banned 77 pesticide products and restricted the use of 202 others. This bold move comes after an extensive scientific review led by the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB), under the oversight of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.

The safety review assessed 430 registered end-use pesticide products, examining data submitted by manufacturers and referencing global regulatory standards, particularly from jurisdictions such as the European Union, the United States, Canada, and Australia. The evaluation uncovered that a significant number of pesticide active ingredients posed risks deemed unacceptable for human health, animal safety, and environmental integrity.

As a result, the Ministry has announced several new policy directions. The 77 pesticide formulations deemed hazardous have been completely withdrawn from the Kenyan market. Additionally, 202 pesticide products are now subject to strict usage restrictions. For example, chemicals like 2,4-D Amine and Abamectin can no longer be used in open fields. Others, such as Imidacloprid and Omethoate, are now limited to non-edible crops or controlled environments. Some formulations, including Oxydemeton-methyl and Mancozeb, are still under active review and their importation remains suspended until further notice.

Beyond these immediate actions, another 151 pesticides are under continued scientific scrutiny. Their fate will be determined in a final review expected to conclude by December 2025. In the meantime, their use and importation have been paused as a precautionary measure.

The Ministry is also introducing a new Pest Control Products Bill, already approved by the Cabinet and awaiting tabling in Parliament. This legislation seeks to modernize Kenya’s pesticide regulatory framework, improve accountability, and align the country’s practices with international standards. One key stipulation is that Kenya will only approve pesticides that are already registered and permitted in their country of origin. Additionally, any product banned under international environmental conventions will be automatically disqualified from registration in Kenya.

To reinforce these reforms, the Ministry is promoting Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques and environmentally sound pest control alternatives. Extension services and farmer education programs will be expanded to facilitate a smooth transition and minimize disruptions in agricultural productivity.

A complete list of the affected pesticide ingredients has been made public to ensure transparency and guide compliance among farmers, suppliers, and other stakeholders. Kenya’s new direction on pesticide regulation marks a transformative step towards safer food systems and a healthier ecosystem. ACTIVE INGREDIENTS THAT HAVE BEEN REVIEWED AND RESTRICTED AFTER REVIEW

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS AND ASSOCIATED END-USE PRODUCTS WITHDRAWN FROM THE KENYAN MARKET THROUGH REGULATORY DECISIONS.

BANNED PESTICIDES IN KENYA