A startling revelation by agricultural experts has exposed a deadly trend in Kenya’s food basket: farmers are unwittingly buying ineffective and toxic pesticides, fueling a cancer crisis and massive crop losses.

A report by KALRO indicates that a lack of proper pest diagnosis is driving farmers into the arms of unscrupulous agro-dealers. [...](asc_slot://start-slot-3)Instead of treating specific diseases, farmers are buying "cocktails" of chemicals, some of which are banned globally but smuggled into the country.

The "Two-Tier" Poison

The situation is dire. In counties like Meru and Kirinyaga, a "two-tier" farming system has emerged. [...](asc_slot://start-slot-5)Farmers spray heavy toxins on crops destined for the market—tomatoes, kales, and fruits—while growing organic, chemical-free food for their own families. They know it is poison, but they sell it anyway to survive.

• The Cause: A collapsed extension officer system leaves farmers relying on profit-driven shopkeepers for advice.
• The Consequence: Pests develop resistance, requiring even stronger chemicals, while consumers unknowingly ingest carcinogenic residues.
• The Solution: Experts are calling for a crackdown on "quack" agrovets and the reintroduction of government extension services to the village level.

"We are eating death," warned Ager Kirowo, a farmer representative. Until the supply chain is cleaned up, every meal on a Kenyan table carries a hidden risk.