The Laikipia County Government has rolled out a farmers’ sensitisation campaign to caution against the use of hazardous agricultural chemicals linked to serious health risks.
The initiative follows reports suggesting that prolonged exposure to such chemicals may be associated with rising cases of cancer, reproductive complications, and heart and kidney diseases.
Governor Joshua Irungu said health facilities in major tomato-growing areas are recording unusually high cancer cases, alongside a sharp increase in patients seeking renal services at referral hospitals in Nanyuki and Nyahururu.
“We are seeing more of our people walk into hospitals in need of dialysis. These are not just statistics; they are members of our families whose lives are being disrupted in painful ways,” said the governor.
Irungu called for evidence-based investigations to determine whether there is a direct link between agricultural inputs and emerging health challenges.
“We must ask ourselves difficult but necessary questions: Are the methods we are using to grow our food slowly harming us? We need clear answers grounded in research,” he added. The governor spoke during a public sensitisation forum on the proposed Agroecology Bill in Nanyuki.
Biodiversity and Biosafety Association of Kenya Director Ann Maina said collaboration with the county government marks a significant step toward enacting the Agroecology Bill.
The proposed law seeks to promote organic pesticides, reduce reliance on synthetic chemicals, and encourage environmentally friendly farming practices that protect soil health, food safety, and human well-being.
“In collaboration with other stakeholders, we have been pushing for the adoption of the Agroecology Bill to protect farmers and consumers from harmful chemicals. This is also a campaign to safeguard our environment,” said Maina.
She noted that counties such as Makueni County, Murang’a County, West Pokot County, Nakuru County, and Vihiga County have already enacted similar legislation.
A recent study by the Environmental Working Group found that fruits and vegetables are among the main pathways through which millions of people are exposed to pesticides.
In Kenya, such chemicals are registered for agricultural and public health use and regulated by the Pest Control Products Board. However, experts warn that some products containing toxic ingredients still reach unsuspecting farmers.
Previous research has shown that pesticide mixtures often contain substances banned in the European Union but remain in use across Africa.
These chemicals pose significant risks not only to human health but also to ecosystems, affecting bees, fish, and soil organisms such as earthworms.
Meanwhile, about 40 persons with disabilities in Laikipia were sensitised on the Agroecology Bill and trained on safer farming practices.
Participants lauded the initiative, describing it as a bold and timely effort to reduce reliance on harmful chemicals.
Local farmers John Njoroge and Linet Auma said they plan to shift to organic farming methods, citing both health and economic benefits.
“We need to reduce the use of chemicals in our farms because they are harmful. The training has enlightened us on safer and more sustainable farming methods. Organic farming is the way to go,” they said.
By Muturi Mwangi
