Boost for farmers as locally assembled protective wear is launched

Models and farmers in BASF Overall, First ISO 27065 Protective Clothing in Africa after the launch at Mchana Estate, Ruiru.

Handling and use of pesticides should adhere to safety measures, including the effective use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that meets the right standards.

To address this challenge, cost-effective personal protective clothing-an essential component of safe crop protection practices-has been launched in Kenya.

This is Africa's first locally made ISO 27065-certified personal protective clothing.

The new garment was developed through a collaboration between the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB), the International Center for PPE (ICPPE) at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, BASF, and Syngenta.

The launch of the ISO 27065-certified personal protective garment in Kenya represents a significant milestone in promoting safe agricultural practices, fostering a culture of safety among farmers, and contributing to the long-term sustainability of the agricultural sector.

Speaking during the launch at Mchana Estate in Ruiru on Wednesday, Gift Mbaya, Managing Director of BASF East Africa, said that much of the clothing farmers in the country have been using was not protective, which is why BASF developed this garment.

"By investing in personal protective clothing, we are not only protecting the health and safety of our farmers and the communities in which we operate; we are committed to ensuring a sustainable and responsible future for the world around us," said Gift Mbaya, Country Cluster Head and Head of Agriculture Solutions, BASF East Africa Ltd.

The new garment was developed in line with government regulatory bodies and standards, enhancing safe crop protection practices. It is also accessible to farmers across the country, promoting a culture of safety.

"PPE is vital to sustainable farmer productivity. Farmers who use PPE correctly are motivated to carry out farming activities and deliver better output. Creating more awareness of the correct PPE to use remains a fundamental goal for all agricultural stakeholders," said Agnes Waithaka, a coffee farmer from Nyeri.

Fredrick Muchiri, CEO of the Pest Control Products Board, said they are entrusted with the mandate of regulating the use of pest control products in the country.

He emphasized their commitment to ensuring that PPE used in the country meets the right standards, is affordable, and is available in markets.

"Handling and use of pesticides should adhere to safety measures, including the effective use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

"We will continue to partner with relevant stakeholders in delivering training to Pest Control Service Providers on safety measures when handling and using pest control products in our country," said Muchiri.

Philis Njane, Acting Research and Innovation Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, State Department for Agriculture, highlighted the increasing challenges posed by climate change, which has introduced pests previously unseen in the country.

This shift, she noted, has led to a higher reliance on pesticides, putting farmers at greater risk due to more frequent interactions with these chemicals.

"When we provide our farmers with such protective gear, it means their health is being prioritized," Njane stated. "These are some of the key issues we've been advocating for in collaboration with the Pest Control Products Board."

The launch of the ISO 27065-certified personal protective garment in Kenya represents a significant milestone in promoting safe agricultural practices, fostering a culture of safety among farmers, and contributing to the long-term sustainability of the agricultural sector.