This archive report was first published on 25 September 2019.
Kenya's horticulture industry, worth Sh113 billion annually, is at risk of losing a significant portion of its earnings if a petition to ban harmful pesticides is passed in Parliament.
The petition, filed by Uasin Gishu Women Representative Gladys Boss Shollei, seeks to withdraw from the market 262 pesticides and herbicides found to be harmful to the environment and cause diseases.
Stakeholders in the agribusiness sub-sector argue that the proposed ban could increase the cost of production and raise levies charged on farmers, ultimately hurting small farmers and negatively affecting their business.
"The petition seeks to increase levies charged on the movement of horticultural produce, and this will increase farmers' cost of production," said Society of Crop Agribusiness Advisors Chief Executive Ricky Aguda.
Mr. Aguda also expressed concerns that the petition has an overlap of roles, with no clear line between the national government and the county government.
He suggested that the sub-sector should regulate itself to prevent such overlaps.
Published on September 25, 2019 in The Standard.
