The Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) confiscated illegal pesticides that cost around Ksh 600,000 during the crackdown by authorities across Meru, Embu, and Tharaka Nithi counties.

This comes after the board launched Operation Countrywide to eradicate all illegal pest control products targeting farmers and household pesticides.

According to the board, these pesticides contain harmful chemicals that threaten human health, livestock, and agricultural productivity.

Speaking while in Embu after the crackdown, PCPB General Manager for Compliance and Enforcement, Lawrence Kalawa, expressed his frustrations over the increased number of illegal and smuggled pesticides in the market.

He also warned the culprits, saying that cheap and unregistered products result in serious environmental and health issues, as the majority have toxic substances that harm users and degrade the soil.

“We are stepping up enforcement this planting season to protect farmers from counterfeit products that end up destroying crops instead of protecting them. Such products are a threat to food security,” Kalawa said.

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Kalawa Message to Farmers

Kalawa urged farmers to be cautious during this period of short rains, as it invites illegal traders in the market with fake products to make quick profits.

In addition, he encouraged farmers across the country to purchase pesticides from PCBP-registered agro-vet outlets.

Products are certified with official safety stickers indicating that they have been tested and approved.

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Kalawa Warns Illegal Traders and Smugglers

In that line, he sent a stern warning to traders engaging in unregistered or fake products to stop immediately before they catch up with them.

Kalawa emphasized that they will continue with surveillance and prosecuting suspects.

“We will not relent in protecting farmers and consumers from harmful chemicals. Anyone found selling unauthorised pesticides will face the full force of the law,” he said.

PCPB reaffirms the public’s commitment to ensure safe, verifiable, and genuine pest control products are available in the Kenyan market while safeguarding health, environment, and the agricultural sector.

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Photo showing sample of fake pesticides being recovered in a major crackdown. PHOTO/K24 X