(NAIROBI, KENYA) – The Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) has issued a warning to agrovet dealers against selling unregistered, counterfeit or banned pesticides. Traders found dealing in the products risk arrest and prosecution.
PCPB General Manager for Compliance and Enforcement Lawrence Kalawa urged dealers to verify that every pesticide they stock is authorised for use in Kenya and appears on the Board’s official register.
“These illegal pesticides are not authorised, and this is a message to those who think otherwise,” Kalawa said. He warned traders to check the PCPB website before selling any product.
He said dealers whose products are not listed on the official register should stop the business. He noted that enforcement measures are already in place against traders who breach the regulations.
The warning comes as the Board intensifies operations against illegal agricultural and household pesticides. Officials say some of the products are smuggled into Kenya through porous borders.
PCPB officials warn that unregulated pesticides may contain toxic or banned substances that threaten farmers, consumers and the environment.
The warning follows investigations into the deaths of 15 elephants in Amboseli. Post-mortems pointed to cyanide poisoning and possible links to contaminated crops.
The Amboseli deaths have highlighted the wider consequences of pesticide misuse. Conservation groups warn that chemicals capable of harming wildlife could also pose risks to people if contaminated crops enter the food chain.
According to reports, PCPB is currently prosecuting 51 cases involving illegal pesticides. Four cases ended in convictions in the last financial year, attracting fines ranging from KES 100,000 ($690 / £540) to KES 750,000 ($5,170 / £4,050).
The cases include the sale of unregistered or counterfeit products, stocking expired pesticides and dealing in banned active ingredients. Authorities can also seize products, close businesses and revoke licences where offenders are found culpable.
PCPB has made progress in tackling illegal imports, with tighter border controls reportedly reducing illegal pesticide inflows by as much as 90%. However, concerns remain over illegal products already circulating through domestic markets and agrovet shops.
For farmers and consumers, the issue extends beyond whether a pesticide is genuine. Illegal or misused chemicals can leave dangerous residues on vegetables and other crops, potentially exceeding approved Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) and creating food safety risks.
PCPB has urged agrovet dealers to obtain valid authorisation, ensure their products carry official safety stickers, and verify their registration before selling them. The public has also been encouraged to report suspicious agrovet businesses and unlabelled pesticides to the authorities.