By Kinyua Roline Kathambi
Farming for most food producers entails regular field spraying on the crops or weeds, a practice they have been used to. What follows in some instances is coughing, skin rash, and nauseous feeling because of the chemical composition of the pesticide they are exposed to. Although the use of pesticides has had a great impact on agriculture, thus helping farmers to control pests and diseases, increasing the yield and ensuring a reliable food supply, they still pose health threats to humans, animals, and the environment. The Government of Kenya in a bid to safeguard its population from the increasing effects of harsh chemicals on food and the environment recently made a move that shows that the efforts made by different entities in fight against use of highly hazardous pesticides in food production have been worthwhile.
Identified risks to human health
a) Acute effects:
Some active components present in synthetic pesticides can cause severe reactions to human beings if exposed even for a short time but intensely. These effects include:
i. Respiratory problems – exposure to pesticides can cause coughing or shortness of breath.
ii. Skin and eye irritation – upon contact with certain synthetic pesticides, one may experience a burning sensation, itching on the skin, or reddening of the eyes.
iii. Neurological symptoms – one may experience headache, nausea, and dizziness.
b) Chronic effects:
Long-term exposure to some chemicals present in synthetic pesticides can lead to:
i. Reproductive and developmental issues – This leads to miscarriage, infertility, or congenital conditions. Some of these effects are caused by effects on the endocrine system, which is responsible for hormone production.
ii. Cancer – Pesticides such as Organochlorines are classified as carcinogenic.
Ban of 77 pesticides in Kenya
On 7th May 2025, the Government of Kenya banned 77 highly hazardous pesticide (HHP) products and restricted the use of 202 others due to their adverse effects on human and environmental health. Among the products banned are those containing active ingredients such as Acephate, Chlorothalonil, Diuron, and Thiacloprid. These are major chemicals that have been linked to cancer, endocrine disruption, reproductive harm, and annihilation of bees and other beneficial insects. Other chemicals banned include:
Chlorpyrifos – This is an organophosphate pesticide used to control pests. It controls pests by interfering with their nervous system. The main reason for its ban is that exposure to it when pregnant or in early childhood can disrupt brain development and cause lower IQ. It is also toxic to pollinators such as bees. It has been banned in the U.S. (as of 2021 for food crops), the E.U. (as of 2020), and Canada.
Propineb – It is a fungicide used to control fungal diseases in crops such as potatoes. However advantageous it may have been, it has been banned due to environmental risk to non-target organisms and groundwater contamination.
Iprodione – It is also a fungicide used to control a range of fungal diseases, particularly those caused by Rhizoctonia species. Iprodione was banned due to its negative effects on reproductive health and its persistence in soil. It is also toxic to aquatic life and has been banned in the E.U.
Endosulfan – It is banned in over 80 countries, including the U.S and India, due to its high toxicity to humans and wildlife.
Toxaphene – It is a chlorinated pesticide mixture that has been banned due to its high toxicity and environmental persistence.
Other 202 pesticides that are now highly restricted include herbicides such as 2,4-D Amine, which is now prohibited for use on coffee crops, and Abamectin, an insecticide and miticide, which has been prohibited from being applied in open fields. Other chemicals, including Imidacloprid, Omethoate, and Propineb, have been restricted from being used on food crops.
An additional 151 pesticide products are still under review and may not be imported, distributed, or applied until the final decision on them is announced in December 2025.
Further to the regulations on the use of HHPs, a new Pest Control Products Bill was approved by the Cabinet, proposing more stringent measures on pest control products in the market.
This bill, which will soon be tabled in Parliament, proposes the following:
i. All pesticides registered in Kenya must also be registered in their country of origin.
ii. Products banned under international environmental agreements, such as the Stockholm and Rotterdam Conventions, are prohibited from use in Kenya.
iii. Pesticide molecules not approved by major regulatory bodies in the EU, USA, Canada, or Australia will not be imported or used in Kenya while under review.
These reforms, if approved, will protect Kenya from becoming a dumping ground for toxic chemicals already banned elsewhere. Farmers have been encouraged to adopt agroecological practices, such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies, crop diversification, and other natural solutions to manage pests and diseases. Organic input manufacturers have advanced in offering effective products at affordable prices and ensuring their accessibility. These solutions naturally manage pests without harming people, livestock, pollinators, or the environment.
The list of all banned pesticides is available on the Pest Control Product Board website
https://www.pcpb.go.ke/banned-products- in-kenya/
Email: kathambiroline@gmail.com