The Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) has teamed up with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to launch a nationwide crackdown on counterfeit pesticide products, a move aimed at protecting public health and the environment.

The board warns that it is illegal to sell pesticides in open-air markets, car boots, and temporary structures. “The quality of pesticides sold in this manner cannot be guaranteed and poses a risk to themselves and the environment,” the board cautioned.

Last week, PCPB and DCI officers conducted operations in Mombasa, resulting in the arrest of two individuals and the closure of several businesses. Stanley Mruu Ng’ang’a, Coast regional manager for PCB, stated, “The Mombasa cases will serve as a warning to others involved in the sale of illegal pest control products.”

During the crackdown, authorities seized over 300,000 kg of unregistered pesticides intended for distribution to Murang’a County. “The importer did not have the necessary papers,” Ng’ang’a revealed, adding that selling pesticides without proper authorization is against the law.

The initiative extends across the country, with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) joining the effort. PCPB and DCI will be inspecting agrovets and farms to ensure compliance with safety standards. This crackdown follows alarming statements from Uasin Gishu Woman Representative Gladys Boss, who indicated that at least 200 pesticides banned in the US and EU are available in Kenya. “PCPB must do everything at its disposal to ensure that these fake pesticides are completely removed from shelves,” she urged.