This archive report was first published on 23 October 2019.
On October 23, 2019, the Kenyan parliament was considering a petition to ban most pesticides used in the country. The petition, backed by several NGOs, aimed to switch to organic farming methods.
However, experts argue that a blanket ban on pesticides could have devastating consequences for the country's agricultural sector. Pesticides are crucial in controlling pests and diseases that can destroy crops, resulting in significant losses for farmers.
For instance, the Fall Army Worm, which arrived in Kenya before there was guidance or availability of pesticides to control it, caused significant damage to the 2018 maize harvest. Farmers lost an estimated 70 percent of the crop, resulting in Sh2bn in earnings.
Kenya has a robust legal framework in place to regulate the use of pesticides. To be registered for use in the country, pesticides must have already been approved by a leading pest control regulator, such as the EU or US. This ensures that Kenyan citizens are protected from pesticide toxicity to the same level as European or American citizens.
Experts warn that a ban on pesticides could lead to the loss of crops and livelihoods for farmers. Instead, they recommend that the focus should be on ensuring that pesticides are used correctly and that residue levels are tested continuously.
The Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate (KePHIS) tests residue levels continuously for farmers selling locally. For farmers exporting to the EU, excess residues will see the crop refused entry, and the food will be lost.
