Multi agency team rolls out crackdown on fake pesticides

A Spray Service Provider (SSP) during the application of pesticides in a cabbage farm. Professional Spray Service Providers are helping farmers in the application of pesticides an initiative that is being implemented by a partnership between Farmers, Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) and CropLife Kenya in Warurunga, Njabini on July 11, 2024. [Kanyiri Wahito, Standard]

Officers from the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB), Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has commenced a nationwide crackdown on fake pesticides sold in the market.

According to the PCPB, the operation, also targets pesticides sold in open air markets through hawking, car boot sales and temporary structures.

PCPB noted that the quality of pesticides sold in this manner cannot be guaranteed and they pose a risk to the public and the environment.

In Mombasa, multi-agency officers arrested two people and closed several business outlets.

"The PCPB in collaboration with the DCI managed to arrest two suspects in Biashara Street, Mombasa County, selling fake pesticides and pesticides that had not been registered," said PCPB's regional manger Stanley Ng'ang'a.

The suspects were arraigned in a Mombasa court and were fined Sh100,000 each or serve a one year sentence in prison.

Ng'anga said the sentence was to serve as a warning to others involved in the sale of illegal pest control products.

"I would also like to warn those hawking pesticides that the long arm of the law will catch up with you," said Ng'ang'a.

Ng'ang'a disclosed that during the crackdown, they impounded more than 300,000kg of illegal pesticides.

He said that the multi-agency team is visiting various agrovets and farms across the country to ensure that the products being sold are of the prescribed standards.