At least 25 people were arrested in Oloitokitok, Kajiado County, following a joint enforcement operation targeting the sale, possession and use of illegal and unregistered pest control products.
The operation was conducted by the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) in collaboration with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) as part of a wider effort to curb the spread of harmful pesticides in the country.
In a statement, PCPB said the arrests involved 23 farm workers and two agro-dealers who were found dealing in and using unregistered pest control products, in violation of Sections 3(1) and 4(1) of the Pest Control Products Act.
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The enforcement exercise covered several areas, including Kimana, Illasit, Rombo (Ol-Mampinu area), Duka Moja, Entarara, Loitokitok town and Shokut in the Kisanjani area. Officers recovered various illegal products from farms and agro-dealer premises during the inspections.
PCPB warned that the use of unregistered and illegal pest control products poses serious risks to human health, food safety, livestock and the environment. The Board stressed that only products registered and approved by PCPB are legally allowed for sale, distribution and use in Kenya.
“Agro-dealers are required to operate from PCPB-certified premises and stock only registered products,” the Board said, adding that farmers and pesticide users must also ensure they purchase approved products from licensed dealers.
Following the operation, PCPB directed an immediate halt to the sale, distribution and use of illegal pest control products within the affected areas, warning that offenders will face arrest, prosecution and penalties as provided by law.
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The Board further urged members of the public to verify products before buying or using them by checking PCPB registration numbers and proper labelling in both English and Kiswahili. It also encouraged the public to report suspicious products through its customer care line.
“Be compliant. Verify before you buy or use. Report suspicious products to our customer care line: 0720480904,” the statement read.
PCPB said it will continue to intensify surveillance, inspections and enforcement operations across the country to protect farmers, consumers and the environment, as the government steps up efforts to eliminate illegal pesticides from the market.
By Benedict Aoya
