Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe Bans 50 Imported Pesticides to Boost Exports to Europe
In a bold move to enhance Kenya’s agricultural exports to Europe, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has announced a ban on the importation of 50 chemical pesticides. Speaking in Nakuru on Wednesday, April 7, CS Kagwe stated that the banned pesticides had been flagged as harmful and were already prohibited in their countries of origin.
“People from the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) have given me a list of 50 chemical products that we have been importing from other countries to control our pests, and we have decided that we will stop the importation of the products,” said Kagwe.
The CS emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting local pesticide manufacturers, particularly those utilizing Kenya’s own pyrethrum. The initiative aims to phase out harmful foreign pesticides in favor of safer, homegrown alternatives.
“We will work closely with local manufacturers to promote the use of pyrethrum-based pesticides. These are not only safer but are also grown locally, which means more jobs for our farmers and improved safety standards for our produce,” he added.
To ensure a steady supply of raw materials for pesticide production, Kagwe revealed plans to expand pyrethrum farming from the current 10,000 acres to over 70,000 acres. The government, in partnership with county governments, will provide farmers with fertilizers, seeds, agricultural advisors, and market access to support this expansion.
“We are going to call a meeting of all the processors in Nairobi and the Ministry so that we can straighten things out with pyrethrum processing,” Kagwe announced, signaling a major shift in agricultural policy.
The ban and the push for local pesticide production come as Kenya seeks to align with the European Union’s (EU) stricter pest management regulations. The EU’s Regulation (EU) 2024/2004, enacted in July 2024, requires exporters to implement enhanced protocols to eliminate pests such as the False Codling Moth (FCM), particularly in rose flower exports.
Earlier in March, CS Kagwe revealed that 95 export consignments and 48 additional interceptions — amounting to 2.1 million rose stems worth approximately Ksh 147.1 million — were rejected by the EU due to FCM contamination.
In response, the PCPB has registered new pest control products specifically targeting FCM. These, combined with the ban on the harmful imports and the emphasis on local alternatives, are expected to reduce future interceptions and bolster Kenya’s position in the European export market.
“Our mission is to ensure Kenyan flowers and produce are accepted in all international markets. We must meet and exceed global standards,” concluded Kagwe.
The initiative marks a significant step in safeguarding both the environment and the country’s economic interests, offering hope for farmers and exporters alike.
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Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe Bans 50 Imported Pesticides to Boost Exports to Europe