Mombasa, Kenya (Daily Report KE) — February 6, 2026
Members of the National Assembly Committee on Agriculture and Livestock have been briefed on the proposed Pest Control Products Bill, 2025, legislation aimed at tightening regulation of pesticides and strengthening food safety standards in Kenya.
The Committee, led by Chairperson Hon. John Mutunga (Tigania West), met stakeholders in Mombasa to review the Bill, which seeks to regulate the importation, exportation, manufacture, distribution, advertising, use and disposal of pest control products.
The proposed law also provides for the establishment of the Pest Control Products Authority, a new regulatory body expected to enhance oversight and enforcement.
Push for Stronger Regulation
The Committee received presentations from the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB), the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), who outlined the need for updated legislation to address emerging risks in pest control management.
Lawmakers raised concerns about food safety, chemical residue levels, and the health risks associated with certain pesticides and herbicides.
Hon. Mutunga questioned regulators on their capacity to monitor chemical usage across the country and safeguard public health.
“How are you in a position to do effective outreach on the use of chemicals and their effects on human life? Certain imported chemicals are precursors to cancer. Do you have a map of chemicals in use across the country?” Mutunga posed.
Food Safety and Border Controls
KEPHIS CEO Prof. Theophilus Mutui told the Committee that farmers are trained on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), emphasizing strict adherence to manufacturers’ instructions when using pesticides.
“We have aligned the Bill to global standards on food safety and security. We also analyze food imports from neighboring countries to ensure they meet allowed chemical residue thresholds,” Mutui said.
Officials acknowledged that porous borders remain a challenge in preventing illegal entry of harmful pesticides. However, KEPHIS noted that Border Management Committees conduct patrols and surveillance operations to curb illicit imports.
Cost Implications
On financial considerations, Members were informed that implementing the Bill would have minimal cost implications, as the PCPB is already equipping laboratories using National Treasury funding and internal resources.
The primary additional cost would be supporting the establishment of the proposed Authority.
The Committee is scheduled to receive a further briefing on the Plant Protection Bill on Saturday, February 7, 2026.
