Gov’t bans over 50 harmful pesticide brands, eyes pyrethrum expansion

Speaking in Molo, Nakuru County, Kagwe emphasized the government's commitment to promoting safer, locally-produced alternatives.

"The Pest Products Control Board have brought to me a list of chemical products that we have been importing from other countries for uise to control our pests... They have told me about 50 products we are going to stop their importation," said Kagwe.

As part of this effort, he unveiled an ambitious plan to expand pyrethrum farming from the current 10,000 acres to over 70,000 acres nationwide.

"Earlier on, we were planting 70,000 acres of pyrethrum, today we are planting 10,000. We want to go up again, where we were and be number one in the world ."

"Boosting pyrethrum farming will not only enhance local pesticide production but also create thousands of jobs for Kenyans," he said.

Kagwe made the remarks during the official launch of the distribution of one million clean pyrethrum planting materials. 

The event was attended by key leaders including the Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, and Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha.