Farmers excited as Kenya launches a first ever certified protective clothing in Africa

Excitement in the air as farmers and models try the new BASF overalls, a first ISO 27065 C1 certified protective clothing in Africa, at the launch held at Mchana Estate, Ruiru. [Jonah Onyango,Standard]

Kenya now prides itself as the first country in Africa to launch a first ever certified protective clothings to farmers.

The first ISO 27065 C1 certified personal protective gear is made of breathable, re-usable textile materials.

The garments are comfortable and cost effective which forms an essential component in safe crop protection and handling practices.

The Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), launched on Wednesday at Mchana Farm in Ruiru, follows an extensive research that involved more than 110 farmers throughout the country.

The farmers participated in a wear study and gave feedback on comfort, durability as well as color and other design preferences.

The research to come up with the magical wear is also a collaboration effort between the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB), the International Center for Personal Protective Equipment (ICPPE) at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, BASF and Syngenta, with the purpose of addressing operator safety.

" This garment is very important to us in our daily activities. It honours the value of humanity as farmers are also husbands, wives, fathers, brothers, sisters among others. They are more needed by their families," Edith Boit, a Nakuru based maize farmer underlined.

"As a farmer, this overall meets my needs; it is comfortable, easy to wear and made to the specifications of a farmer," she reiterated.

Peter Mureithi, a Nyeri based farmer who is also a Spray Services Provider, specialist explained how he he enjoys the amazing protection gear. He is also proud to be among the selected lot who took part in the research process.

" The best thing is that even though women were involved in the making of these PPEs, their feedback was critical in the design of the overalls," said Mureithi.

Agnes Waithaka, a Nyeri based coffee farmer, narrated how she used to go to her shamba in jackets and other ill-fitting clothings which were so uncomfortable during hot and rainy weather.

Her entiments were echoed by Peter Ngeno, a Nakuru based maize farmer who reckoned: "I urge my fellow farmers to get this garment because its benefits, in safety and protection, is unmatched."

According to farmers representative Ambrose Kirobi, the PPEs are so vital to sustainable farmer productivity.

"Farmers who use them correctly are motivated to carry out farming activities well, they deliver better output. Creating more awareness on the correct PPE to use remains a fundamental goal for all agricultural stakeholders” Kirobi highlighted.

Wilfred Juma, the BASF Technical Sales Support Manager, East Africa, reckoned that farming is the greatest job on earth and it should be done with safety.

Also in equal breath, Thavy Staal, a German based Senior Global Product Stewardship Manager, Agricultural Solutions, says farmers should be the centre of operations in all agricultural associations.

"Firms should protect farmers more than the crops, safety of farmers should be prerogative in the farming industry," said Staal.

While hailing the launched PPEs, Philis Njane- Acting Research and Innovation Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, State Department for Agriculture- said agriculture is the next frontier that will churn out the next set of Kenyan millionaires.

"Farming should be fronted to the Generation Z and Generation Alpha, the information should be spread like wildfires in the 4K-Clubs in schools, this is the only way to ensure our food production is safe in the future," Njane underlined.

While giving his sentiments on the newly launched product, Fredrick N. Muchiri, CEO Pest Control Products Board, stated: “Handling and use of pesticides should be done with adherence to safety measures, among them effective use of PPEs.

"As a board entrusted with the mandate of regulating the use of Pest Control Products in the country, we remain committed to ensuring the PPEs that are used in our country are of the right standards, affordable and available in our markets. 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."

Anugrah Shaw, coordinator of the ICPPE Initiative added: " One of the challenges with users not wearing appropriate protective clothing is due to heat stress and comfort. This is an even bigger issue in tropical climates. Our approach with the new ISO certified garment is to balance protection and comfort."

The new personal protective clothing is certified under KS ISO 27065 C1, which defines performance requirements for minimum protective clothing worn by operators applying crop protection solutions and for re-entry workers. The fabric and garments have been tested by a certified ISO laboratory and are similar in performance to garments worn in most operator exposure studies.

“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.

“At Syngenta, we are committed to the safety of farmers and farm workers. We undertake extensive stewardship initiatives and are proud to be associated in the launch of the first Kenyan-made certified personal protective clothing.

“This innovative protective garment not only enhances responsible crop protection handling practices but also promotes a culture of safety among farmers and operators across the country and potentially beyond. Every farmer deserves access to quality protective gear, enabling them to work sustainably”, said Given Mudenda, Business Area Head East and Southern Africa.

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.

This collaborative effort between various stakeholders including industry members of CropLife Kenya (aak GROW), ensures that Kenyan farmers have access to comfortable, affordable and locally made protective gear.

As the adoption of this protective gear upsurges, it will inspire a broader shift towards prioritizing safety and responsible practices for Kenyan farmers, their communities, and the environment.