This archive report was first published on 10 September 2019.
Published on September 10, 2019, a report highlighted the alarming use of toxic chemicals in Kenyan farming. These chemicals, including fertilisers, herbicides, and pesticides, play a crucial role in boosting food production but also pose a significant risk to consumers.
While some officials seem to tolerate the use of suspect chemicals, the horticultural industry has faced stringent requirements from overseas markets, which prioritize the health and safety of their citizens.
The increasing importation of insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and other chemicals may contribute to expanded food production, but it comes at a steep cost to consumers. Notably, some fertilisers and chemicals banned in their countries of origin are still readily available and used locally.
Foreigners who refuse to buy Kenyan horticultural products with high chemical residues due to concerns for their own consumers have no qualms about selling these toxic chemicals to us.
Public health authorities must step up monitoring to identify and block the deadly imports. For too long, products like RoundUp, banned in Europe, have been used in Kenya.
Concerns about toxic chemicals used in farming should not be dismissed as 'scaremongering' by an interested group. Instead, the people need an elaborate safety assurance.
