Authority Raises Alarm Over Fake Products Affecting Kenyan Food

Jukwaa

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

PCPB General Manager for Compliance and Enforcement Lawrence Kalawa urged dealers to verify that every pesticide they stock is authorised for use in Kenya and appears on the Board’s official register.

“These illegal pesticides are not authorised, and this is a message to those who think otherwise,” Kalawa said, warning traders to check the PCPB website before selling any product.

He said dealers whose products are not listed on the official register should stop the business, noting that enforcement measures are already in place against traders who breach the regulations.

📌 What You Need to Know

The warning comes as the Board intensifies operations against illegal agricultural and household pesticides, with officials saying some of the products are smuggled into Kenya through porous borders.

PCPB officials warn that unregulated pesticides may contain toxic or banned substances that threaten farmers, consumers and the environment.

The warning follows investigations into the deaths of 15 elephants in Amboseli, with post-mortems pointing to cyanide poisoning and possible links to contaminated crops.

The Amboseli deaths have highlighted the wider consequences of pesticide misuse, with conservation groups warning that chemicals capable of harming wildlife could also pose risks to people if contaminated crops enter the food chain.

According to reports, PCPB is currently prosecuting 51 cases involving illegal pesticides, while four cases ended in convictions in the last financial year, attracting fines ranging from Ksh100,000 to Ksh750,000.

The cases include the sale of unregistered or counterfeit products, stocking expired pesticides and dealing in banned active ingredients. Authorities can also seize products, close businesses and revoke licences where offenders are found culpable.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke

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