By A, KNA
Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) has intensified a crackdown on illegal sale of pest control products in unlicensed shops at OSBP of Isebania, Malaba and Busia Kenya. Since the launch over six people have been arrested for allegedly selling unregistered pest control products.
The arrest highlights the ongoing concerns about the use of unregistered pest control products, which can pose risks to human health, animals and the environment.
The Pest Control Products Act regulates the manufacture, distribution, and use of pesticides, requiring proper registration and adherence to safe use.
Pest Control Products Board, Western Regional Manager, Mr. William Mukonzo warned farmers and the general public against selling and buying illegal pest control products. He laid emphasis to farmers and the general public to avoid purchasing pest control products from unlicensed dealers.
Mukonzo dispelled rumors circulating claiming that pesticides banned in some developed countries were authorised for use in Kenya.
“Any pesticide authorised for use in the country is evaluated and assessed properly by our scientists to ensure it is not harmful to life or the environment,” he assured.
“Claims that Kenya authorises pesticides banned in the EU or the US and other countries, especially glyphosate (trademarked Roundup), are not true,” he stressed.
Agrovet dealers from Malaba and Nambale towns led by Julias Ndombi welcomed the move noting that Malimali ventor had destroyed the market with unhealthy competition yet they were paying huge taxes to both county and National government.
“We have been experiencing an influx in Pest products from Uganda which are smuggled into the country through our porous border. These products have been creating unhealthy competition from us vendors who sell legal items certified by PCPB,” noted Ndombi.
The initiative comes after the government had banned 77 harmful pesticide products from the market in a move aimed at protecting public health and preserving the environment.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe in June this year announced that an additional 202 pesticide products have also been restricted for use on various crops, while 151 more remain under scientific review.
The CS noted this decisive action follows a comprehensive assessment of pesticide products by the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB)