Embu: The Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) has seized fake and unregistered home and farm pesticides with a street value of Sh600,000 in Embu, Meru, and Tharaka Nithi Counties. The operation 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, the PCPB’s General Manager in charge of Compliance and Enforcement, Lawrence Kalawa, expressed concern over the proliferation of illegal pesticides, many of which are smuggled into the country. He noted that these products, sold at cheaper prices, posed a grave danger as they may contain banned or toxic substances whose exposure could lead to harmful effects on users.

Kalawa also urged farmers to remain vigilant during this short rain planting season, a period when demand for pesticides surges, leading unscrupulous traders to flood the market with counterfeit products. ‘We have mounted this crackdown this season to protect farmers from counterfeit products that do much more harm than good to their crops and are a threat to food security in the country,’ he stated.

He advised farmers to purchase certified products from PCPB registered agro-vet outlets to ensure the safety of both their health and crops. He emphasized that all dealers in pest control products must obtain authorisation from PCPB before operating in the country and that all products should bear official safety stickers confirming they have been inspected and approved.

Kalawa further warned traders dealing in unregistered or fake products to cease their activities immediately before facing legal consequences. ‘We will not relent in our mission to protect farmers and consumers from harmful products. Anyone found selling unauthorised pesticides will face prosecution,’ he added.