The Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) has seized fake and unregistered home and farm pesticides with a street value of Sh600,000 in Embu, Meru and Tharaka Nithi Counties.
The operation is part of the nationwide crackdown aimed at ridding the country of the menace of illegal pesticides that have severe consequences for both human health and agricultural productivity.
Speaking on Wednesday afternoon after the exercise in Embu, PCPB General Manager in charge of Compliance and Enforcement Lawrence Kalawa expressed concern over the proliferation of illegal pesticides, many of which are smuggled into the country.
He said the products, which were sold at a cheaper price, posed a grave danger as they may contain banned or toxic substances whose exposure could lead to harmful effects on users.
Additionally, the GM called on farmers to be on the lookout for fake pesticides during this short rain planting season.
He said it is at such times that the demand for pesticides is so high that unscrupulous traders flood the market with fake products to make a killing.
“We have mounted this crackdown this season to protect farmers from counterfeit products that do much more harm than good to their crops and are a threat to food security in the country,” he said.
He appealed to farmers to buy certified products from PCPB registered agro-vet outlets to be sure the products they are using are safe for their health and crops.
He emphasised that all dealers in pest control products must seek authorisation from PCPB before operating in the country and that all products must bear official safety stickers to confirm they have been inspected and approved.
Kalawa further warned traders dealing in unregistered or fake products to cease their activities immediately before the law catches up with them.
“We will not relent in our mission to protect farmers and consumers from harmful products. Anyone found selling unauthorised pesticides will face prosecution,” he added.
By Samuel Waititu
