The Pest Control Products Board has warned Kenyans against using unregistered pest control products, following the arrest of 25 people linked to their supply and use. The board highlighted the serious health and environmental risks these items pose.
The Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) has issued a strong warning to agro-dealers, farmers, and the public against selling, distributing, possessing, or using unregistered and illegal pest control products. This alert follows the board's collaboration with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, which led to the arrest of 23 farm workers and two agro-dealers connected to the unlawful supply and application of these products.
Such activities violate Sections 3(1) and 4(1) of the Pest Control Products Act and present significant risks to health and the environment. "The Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) strongly warns agro-dealers, farmers, and the general public against the sale, distribution, possession, and use of illegal and unregistered pest control products (PCPs)," PCPB stated.
"PCPB will continue to intensify surveillance, inspections, and enforcement operations across the country to protect farmers, consumers, and the environment," it added. The board stressed that farmers and dealers should only use products registered and approved by it, with violators facing arrest, prosecution, and penalties.
Agro-dealers are urged to secure necessary operating permits and stock only registered items. The public is encouraged to report any dealers or farmers using these products to security agencies or the board via its customer care line 0720480904.
This warning comes a month after the Pharmacy and Poisons Board alerted on counterfeit cancer drugs, though PCPB focuses on agricultural inputs.