By R, KNA
The Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) has intensified its efforts to promote compliance, safety, and responsible pesticide use in the North Rift region.
Speaking to KNA after the sensitization of agrochemical stockists, PCPB North Rift Regional Manager, Anthony Wechuli, outlined ongoing initiatives to sensitize stockists and farmers on regulatory requirements, safe practices and the importance of using approved pest control products.
Wechuli said the North Rift region includes Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, West Pokot, Baringo, Turkana, Elgeyo Marakwet, and parts of Bungoma and Kakamega counties.
He said the Board has managed to sensitize approximately 50 agrochemical stockists from West Pokot county calling on those trained to help others adhere to the policies and protocols.
“The aim of sensitizing agrochemical stockists is to raise awareness about the new PCPB regulations governing pesticide registration, distribution, and use in Kenya. Stockists are the immediate contact point for farmers and play a critical role in advising farmers on the correct and safe use of pesticides which if not well handled can lead to disasters,” said Wechuli.
He emphasized the need for farmers to purchase pesticides only from licensed and certified agrovets, adding that stockists must strictly sell approved products with valid registration numbers.
Wechuli highlighted several key safety practices including separation of pesticide and food during transport and storage to prevent contamination, reading and following label instructions before application and observing the Pre-Harvest Interval as specified on the label to ensure food safety.
“If a label says wait for seven days before harvesting after spraying, then farmers must observe that interval. It is about protecting consumers’ health,” he advised.
He said PCPB has also ramped up its compliance checks across the North Rift region noting that some stockists have been found selling expired or unregistered products, which is a violation of the law.
“Anyone found contravening the PCPB Act will face the full force of the law. We will investigate, prosecute, and charge them in court,” he warned.
He said stockists are required to register and pay for certification via the E-Citizen portal and urged stockists who have not complied to do so immediately, reiterating the Board’s goal is to facilitate safe trade rather than punish.
He said the Board encourages farmers to seek professional spray service providers who are licensed and trained who can scout and identify pests, recommend suitable approved products, apply pesticides safely using personal protective equipment, and follow correct application rates and methods.
“If a farmer is unsure, we advise them to contact us. We can connect them to licensed service providers in their area,” said Wechuli.
He disclosed that PCPB maintains a publicly accessible list of approved products on its website and invites the public to reach out to the regional office in Eldoret or the head office in Nairobi for any queries or concerns.
Pesticides always interfere with the neighbouring environments which is technically called drifting that has caused unforeseen discomfort and losses arising from air and water pollution especially with the increasing human settlements and reducing farm sizes.
Wechuli called on farmers when using the pesticides to ensure they adhere to the best spraying practices and seek the services from experts. He said in partnership with other organisations, they have managed to train such individuals in some areas.
“There are strict guidelines on the best ways of using pesticides for a sustainable environment. That is why we even have the appropriate time and conditions for spraying,” explained the Regional Manager advising farmers to purchase the pesticides with the intended purpose in mind.