Govt statement on Prohibited and Banned Harmful Pesticides in Kenyan Market

In line with our firm commitment to safeguard the health of our citizens, protect our agricultural sector, and uphold Kenya's environmental sustainability, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has completed a comprehensive review of pesticide active ingredients currently registered in the Kenyan market.

The review has been undertaken by the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB), which is mandated to ensure that all Pest Control Products (PCPs) authorized for use in Kenya are safe to human health and the environment. PCPB undertook a thorough review of 430 end-use products, utilizing scientific information provided by applicants and reviews of regulatory decisions made by reputable international agencies on respective molecules contained in the products.

Following scientific assessments and stakeholder consultations, we have identified certain active ingredients and associated end-use products that pose unacceptable risks to human health, crops, livestock, and the environment.

As a result, we have taken decisive regulatory action to withdraw 77 end-use products from the Kenyan market and to restrict the use of 202 products on various crops. A further 151 products are under review by the PCPB, with a decision on their approval expected by December 2025. In the meantime, the use or importation of the 151 products remains prohibited until the end of the review.

Further, the Ministry has reviewed the Draft Pest Control Products Bill to enhance the regulation of PCPs. The bill has already been approved by the Cabinet and will soon be in parliament.

To further safeguard the public, the Ministry has taken the following measures:

• All PCP products considered for registration in Kenya must be registered in their country of origin.
• No pest control products banned on the international level under multilateral environmental agreements shall be registered for use in Kenya.
• Importation of any molecule under review that is not approved in the European Union, the United States of America, Australia, and Canada shall be prohibited until finalization and review.

This action is part of our continuous efforts to align Kenya's agricultural practices with international best standards, ensure food safety for all Kenyans, and promote sustainable agriculture. The Ministry remains vigilant and will continue to review and update our regulatory frameworks in line with emerging scientific evidence and global developments.

We urge all farmers, distributors, and stakeholders to comply fully with these new regulations and to adopt safe, effective, and environmentally friendly pest management alternatives.

The Ministry is committed to supporting farmers through education, extension services, and the promotion of integrated pest management practices.

Below is a schedule of the various active ingredients and molecules reviewed by the PCPB.

CORRECTION: Refer to the image above for incorrect names in the tables below.

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS AND ASSOCIATED END-USE PRODUCTS WITHDRAWN FROM KENYAN MARKET THROUGH REGULATORY DECISIONS.

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS AND ASSOCIATED END-USE PRODUCTS WITHDRAWN FROM KENYAN MARKET THROUGH REGULATORY DECISIONS.

BANNED PESTICIDES IN KENYA