Kenya Bans 50+ Harmful Pesticides, Eyes Pyrethrum Expansion in Push for Safer Agriculture
“The move comes after years of advocacy by Uasin Gishu Woman Representative and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Gladys Boss Shollei, who has been at the forefront of pushing for the withdrawal of Highly Hazardous Pesticides“
A pyrethrum plantation in Elgeyo Marakwet County/Governor's Press
The Kenyan government has banned more than 50 pesticide brands, many of which are outlawed in their countries of origin, in a major step toward safer and more sustainable farming. Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe made the announcement on Monday during the official launch of a national pyrethrum planting initiative in Molo, Nakuru County.
“We are phasing out dangerous pesticides that have been banned elsewhere but continue to harm our people and environment here,” Kagwe said. “Boosting pyrethrum farming will not only enhance local pesticide production but also create thousands of jobs for Kenyans.”
The Cabinet Secretary unveiled plans to expand pyrethrum cultivation from the current 10,000 acres to over 70,000 acres across the country. The event marked the distribution of one million clean pyrethrum planting materials and was attended by senior government officials including Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, and Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha.
Kagwe emphasized the need for locally-sourced, organic alternatives, citing pyrethrum’s potential as a safe and effective natural pesticide. “This is a step toward reclaiming our agricultural sovereignty and protecting public health,” he noted.
The move comes after years of advocacy by Uasin Gishu Woman Representative and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Gladys Boss Shollei, who has been at the forefront of pushing for the withdrawal of Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs) in Kenya.
In an earlier interview with Standard Media, Shollei expressed concern about the continued use of harmful chemicals: “Why is Kenya still approving pesticides that have been banned in Europe and the United States? Our people are exposed to carcinogenic substances simply because regulatory bodies have failed.”
She has repeatedly criticized the Pesticide Control Products Board (PCPB) for allowing the import and sale of products proven to cause serious health problems. “We cannot continue to use our population as test subjects,” she added during a parliamentary session in 2023.
In another statement to Capital Business, Shollei called attention to double standards in the local food supply: “Agricultural produce rejected in Europe for containing dangerous chemical residues ends up being sold to Kenyans. That is unacceptable.”
She has consistently advocated for organic and safe alternatives, including promoting pyrethrum farming as a viable substitute. “It’s time to re-invest in our indigenous crops like pyrethrum, which are not only safe but also economically empowering,” she said.
The government’s decision is expected to affect a wide range of chemical products, with regulators now under pressure to enforce stricter controls and expedite approval of safer, local alternatives.
“Pyrethrum is just the beginning,” Kagwe stated. “We are committed to transforming how we approach food security — not just in quantity, but in quality and safety.”
With growing public scrutiny and increased political will, the ban marks a pivotal moment in Kenya’s agricultural policy, signaling a turn toward health-conscious and environmentally-friendly practices.
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