Members of Parliament have strongly criticized the State Department of Agriculture and the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) for failing to implement a 2019 resolution banning harmful pesticides linked to rising cancer cases in Kenya. During a heated meeting with officials, lawmakers accused the agencies of prioritizing agrochemical industry profits over public health.
The resolution followed a petition by Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss Shollei, who highlighted that many pesticides banned in their countries of origin such as those in Europe and North America remain widely sold in Kenya. “Why are these products still on our shelves when they have been outlawed elsewhere?” she questioned, citing a U.S. case where farmers won $250 million in damages after developing cancer from pesticide exposure.
Committee Chair Raphael Wanjala and other MPs, including Memusi Kanchory (Kajiado Central) and Hillary Koskey (Kipkelion East), demanded an immediate press statement deregistering all 267 flagged pesticides. They dismissed the PCPB’s claim that some data in the petition was outdated, arguing that cancer rates have surged since 2015. “We don’t need more research—we need action,” Koskey stated.
Lawmakers warned that continued inaction endangers Kenyans, with Zamzam Mohammed (Mombasa) and Kitilai ole Ntutu (Narok South) emphasizing that toxic chemicals in food are harming both urban and rural populations. Wanjala added, “We unknowingly consume contaminated produce daily. How many more lives must be lost?”
Principal Secretary Kiprono Rono admitted delays but requested more time to finalize a decision. The committee, however, instructed officials to return next week with a progress update.
The standoff underscores growing pressure on regulators to prioritize health over commercial interests, as Kenya grapples with a worsening cancer crisis tied to hazardous agrochemicals.
