Embu: Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) has seized fake and unregistered home and farm pesticides with a street value of approximately One Million shillings in Embu and Kirinyaga Counties. The operation that also saw three suspects arrested and set to be arraigned in court is part of the nationwide crackdown aimed at ridding the country of the menace of illegal pesticides that have severe consequences for both human health and agricultural productivity.
According to Kenya News Agency, PCPB General Manager in charge of Compliance and Enforcement Lawrence Kalawa stated that traders must deal with authorized commodities for use in the country lest they risk arrest and prosecution. He highlighted that illegal pesticides, often sold at cheaper prices, contain banned or toxic substances that pose a danger to users.
Kalawa noted that a significant portion of the intercepted products was pesticides used in homes for controlling domestic pests such as cockroaches, bedbugs, fleas, and mosquitoes. He warned that the field of pesticides is restricted and those dealing in unregistered products should cease immediately to avoid repercussions.
Kalawa further cautioned genuine traders who secretly facilitate the vice by stocking and selling illegal pesticides, stating they risk having their certificates withdrawn and facing prosecution. He also warned importers attempting to bypass regulations at the port of entry in Mombasa that the system is enhanced, and their illegal dealings will soon be uncovered.
Emphasizing the need for authorization, Kalawa stated that all dealers must seek PCPB approval before operating in the country, and all products must have official safety stickers to confirm inspection and approval. He reiterated PCPB’s commitment to protecting farmers and consumers from harmful products and declared that anyone found selling unauthorized pesticides will face prosecution.
