Kenya Calls for Global Ban on Pesticides Deemed Unsafe in Other Countries at Nairobi Farming Conference

Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe told delegates at the World Farmers Organization meeting in Nairobi on 8 June 2026 that countries must stop accepting agricultural chemicals rejected elsewhere on safety grounds. "The world cannot continue operating under a double standard when it comes to agricultural chemicals," Kagwe said.

" Kagwe urged governments, regulators, manufacturers, and traders to coordinate efforts to end illegal trade in agrochemicals and to align regulatory standards.

He added that farmers, regulators, traders, and manufacturers must work together to combat trafficking, counterfeiting, and misuse of agricultural inputs. The four-day meeting brought together policymakers, farmer organisations, researchers, and agribusiness leaders to discuss global food systems and sustainable agriculture. 16 percent of reported counterfeit agricultural product cases.

09 percent. In March 2025, the Anti-Counterfeit Authority intercepted 233 bags of counterfeit fertiliser in Molo, Nakuru County, valued at Sh23 million. In February 2025, authorities seized about 190,000 counterfeit fertiliser bags in Nairobi that were allegedly intended for illegal repackaging and distribution.

Kagwe stated that protecting farmers from harmful inputs is critical to safeguarding public health and that food safety begins at the farm level. He noted that counterfeit and unsafe products weaken consumer confidence and risk access to premium export markets that require strict food safety compliance.