A coalition of civil society organisations has lauded the government’s recent decision to ban over 50 highly hazardous pesticides, terming it a significant step toward safeguarding public health and the environment.

However, they emphasise the need for effective implementation, enhanced regulatory oversight, and the promotion of farmer-centric alternatives to ensure a toxic-free food system.

On May 7, 2025, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe announced the ban, revoking the registration and import licences for dozens of pesticides identified as harmful to human health, biodiversity, and ecological systems.

This move aligns Kenya with global pesticide safety practices outlined by international standards such as the Food and Agriculture Organisation/World Health Organisation International Code of Conduct on Pesticide Management.

In a joint statement issued Thursday, over 15 organisations—including the Route to Food Initiative (RTFI), Biodiversity and Biosafety Association of Kenya (BIBA-K), Kenya Organic Agriculture Network (KOAN), and Greenpeace Africa—commended the policy decision.

They stressed, however, that it must be backed by transparent enforcement, clear withdrawal timelines, and farmer education to avoid the risk of replacement with other dangerous chemicals.

“This is a significant win for the health of Kenyans, the safety of our food systems, and the resilience of our ecosystems,” the statement read.

“However, unless there is robust oversight and investment in ecological alternatives, the problem may simply shift or deepen.” 

To support the transition to safer pest management, the Agriculture Ministry announced plans to increase pyrethrum production from the current 10,000 acres to over 70,000 acres.

Pyrethrum, a natural insecticide derived from the Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium plant, offers a sustainable alternative to synthetic pesticides.

Historically, Kenya was a leading producer of pyrethrum, accounting for over 70 per cent of global production in the 1980s and 1990s.

Programme Lead at Route to Food Initiative Dr Harun Warui emphasised the importance of providing farmers with practical tools and alternatives.

“Many Kenyan farmers we have worked with welcome this decision. Alternatives have always existed, and the Farmers’ Resource Guide proves that safe and sustainable farming is achievable without relying on hazardous pesticides.”

The Farmers’ Resource Guide: Achieving Food Production without Toxic Pesticides, developed by RTFI, provides crop-specific strategies for managing pests using agroecological principles, including crop rotation, intercropping, biological control, and soil enrichment.

National Coordinator of BIBA Kenya Anne Maina added: “The ban is a breakthrough, but the real work lies ahead. Without farmer training, support for alternatives, and consistent enforcement, we risk falling back into the same trap. We must seize this moment to reimagine our agriculture—one that protects both people and the planet.”

The civil society coalition has also called for the formation of an independent, multidisciplinary expert advisory panel, institutionalised public consultation, and clear regulations to enforce recent amendments to pesticide laws, particularly those addressing double standards in chemical imports.

As Kenya begins to phase out toxic pesticides, civil society groups emphasised that the real success of the ban will depend on political will, institutional support, and ensuring that farmers are empowered—not abandoned—during the transition to safer agricultural practices.