MPs put pest control board on the spot over safety of pesticides
Kenyan lawmakers have grilled the Pest Control Products Board over the safety of pesticides, citing concerns about chemical residues in food and the use of substances banned in Europe. The board maintains that its regulatory process prevents the registration of carcinogenic or toxic chemicals.
Why it matters
The debate underscores the tension between agricultural productivity and public health safety standards in developing economies.
MPs have put the Pest Control Products Board on the spot over the safety of pesticides used in the country amid growing concerns about food safety and rising diseases.
The lawmakers questioned the board’s assurance that pesticides are safe at a time when researchers and the public are raising the alarm over chemical exposure.
The grilling came as PCPB chief executive officer Fredrick Muchiri appeared before the National Assembly Public Investments Committee to respond to audit queries and growing public debate over pesticide residues in food.
He defended the board, saying its regulatory system does not allow the registration of pesticides that pose serious health risks.
“The Pest Control Products Board process of evaluating pesticides for use in this country does not leave space for authorisation of products that can cause cancer,” Muchiri said.
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