Kenya Bans 77 Pesticides in Landmark Food Safety and Environmental Move

Nairobi, Kenya – In a sweeping public health and environmental reform, the Kenyan government has officially banned 77 agricultural pesticide products, including the highly toxic DDT, following a landmark regulatory review. Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe made the announcement on Monday, signaling a decisive shift in the country’s approach to food safety and sustainable farming.

The ban follows an in-depth safety review by the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB), which examined 430 pesticidescurrently in circulation. In addition to the 77 products pulled from the market, 202 more have been placed under restricted use — permitted only on specific crops while further scientific assessments are conducted.

“We cannot allow substances that pose clear and present risks to both human health and our environment to continue being used in our fields,” said CS Kagwe. “This is about protecting our farmers, our children, and the future of our food system.”

To prevent the future importation of hazardous chemicals, the ministry also unveiled a strict new registration policy: No pesticide will be approved for use in Kenya unless it has already passed safety standards in leading jurisdictionssuch as the European Union or the United States.

The decision is being hailed as a milestone victory for environmentalists, consumer rights advocates, and sustainable agriculture proponents, who have long warned that poorly regulated pesticide use was endangering not only Kenya’s food chain but also its ecosystems.

Analysts say the ban will push manufacturers and farmers toward safer, more environmentally friendly alternatives, though implementation will require vigorous enforcement and education to avoid illegal usage of blacklisted products.

The Ministry of Agriculture has pledged to work with local authorities, farmer groups, and international partners to roll out safer pest control methods, including integrated pest management (IPM) and organic alternatives.

As Kenya aligns its agrochemical regulations with international benchmarks, the move positions the country as a regional leader in food safety governance, and sets a strong precedent for other nations facing similar agricultural and environmental challenges.