The Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) has partnered with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to launch a nationwide crackdown on fake pesticide products. This initiative aims to curb the sale and distribution of illegal and unregistered pest control products, which pose a serious threat to both human health and the environment.
The Growing Menace of Fake Pesticides
The illegal trade of fake pesticides has become a growing concern in Kenya. These products, often sold in open-air markets, from car boots, and in temporary structures, are not only illegal but also highly dangerous. The quality of these pesticides cannot be guaranteed, and they often contain hazardous substances that can harm consumers, crops, and the environment.
Stanley Ng’ang’a, the PCPB Coast Region Manager, emphasized the severity of the issue, stating, “The public is notified that the quality of pesticides sold in this manner cannot be guaranteed, and they pose a risk to themselves and the environment.” This statement highlights the board’s commitment to ensuring that only safe and regulated pesticides are available in the market.
Recent Crackdown in Mombasa
Last week, the PCPB, in collaboration with the DCI, carried out a successful operation in Mombasa, leading to the arrest of two individuals and the closure of several businesses involved in the sale of fake and unregistered pesticides. The suspects were arraigned in court and fined Sh100,000 each or sentenced to one year in prison.
Ng’ang’a noted that these arrests should serve as a stern warning to others engaged in the illegal sale of pest control products. “PCB in collaboration with the DCI arrested two suspects on Biashara Street, Mombasa county, selling fake and unregistered pesticides,” he said, underscoring the board’s zero-tolerance approach to illegal pesticide sales.
During the Mombasa operation, authorities also impounded more than 300,000 kilograms of illegal pesticides that were en route to Kabati, Kenol in Murang’a County. The importer of these products lacked the necessary documentation, further highlighting the widespread nature of this illegal trade.
Expanding the Crackdown Nationwide
The PCPB has announced that the crackdown will be extended to all parts of the country, with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) also being brought into the exercise. This expansion is crucial, as the illegal sale of pesticides is not confined to coastal regions but is a nationwide issue. The joint efforts of PCPB, DCI, and KRA aim to ensure that all pesticides sold in Kenya meet the required standards and are safe for use.
In addition to market inspections, the PCPB and DCI teams will be visiting agrovet stores and farms across the country to verify that the products being sold are registered and of the prescribed standards. This proactive approach is expected to significantly reduce the availability of fake pesticides in the market.
The Bigger Picture: Pesticide Safety in Kenya
The crackdown on fake pesticides comes on the heels of alarming reports about the widespread availability of hazardous pesticides in Kenya. Uasin Gishu Woman Representative and Deputy National Speaker Gladys Boss recently revealed in Parliament that at least 200 pesticides banned in the United States and the European Union are still on sale in Kenya. This startling revelation was based on research conducted by 20 scholars from the University of Nairobi, documented in a paper titled Pesticide Atlas.
Boss urged the PCPB to take decisive action to remove these dangerous products from the market, emphasizing the importance of protecting public health and the environment.
Moreover, a recent report by the Root to Food Initiative (RFTI) found that more than 75% of insecticides sold in Kenya are classified as highly hazardous. This statistic underscores the urgent need for strict regulation and enforcement in the pesticide industry.
Conclusion
The joint crackdown by the PCPB and DCI is a critical step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of Kenyan consumers and the environment. By targeting illegal pesticide sales and enhancing regulatory oversight, these efforts aim to eliminate the threat posed by fake and hazardous pesticides. As the crackdown expands nationwide, it is hoped that these dangerous products will be removed from the market, paving the way for a safer and healthier future for all Kenyans.
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