BY ELIJAH WANYAMA

In a powerful call to action, Kenya has ramped up its campaign against hazardous agricultural chemicals, emphasizing the urgent need for the international community to establish uniform standards that protect farmers and consumers worldwide. Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe made these remarks as he opened the 2026 World Farmers’ Organisation (WFO) General Assembly in Nairobi, highlighting the grave threats posed by harmful pesticides and counterfeit agricultural inputs to food safety, public health, and environmental sustainability.

Addressing a diverse audience comprising farmers’ organizations, policymakers, agribusiness leaders, and development partners, Kagwe voiced his concern over the ongoing sale of chemicals banned in some countries to developing nations.He described this practice as a dangerous double standard that jeopardizes the safety and wellbeing of millions of farmers. “The world cannot continue operating under a double standard when it comes to agricultural chemicals,” he stated. He stressed that products deemed unsafe in one jurisdiction should not be allowed entry into markets with weaker regulations.

Kagwe asserted that the health and wellbeing of African farmers should be valued equally to their counterparts in developed nations. He argued for a more holistic approach to safeguarding farmers, which transcends merely improving productivity and market access. Protecting farmers also means ensuring their health from exposure to harmful substances used in food production.

The issue of counterfeit pesticides and substandard agricultural inputs was another crucial point raised by the Cabinet Secretary. He warned that these dangerous products are increasingly entering agricultural markets via informal channels, thus undermining consumer confidence, threatening export opportunities, and exposing farming communities to unnecessary risks.

Dr. Paul Ronoh, Principal Secretary for Agriculture, who also attended the opening session, reiterated the Kenyan government’s commitment to modernizing the agricultural sector through technology and better regulation. He outlined ongoing initiatives to enhance digital systems that support traceability, service delivery, and farmer registration, ultimately ensuring that farmers receive safe and high-quality agricultural inputs.

Kagwe also encouraged financial institutions and development partners to boost their investments in agriculture, framing this support as strategic to food security, economic growth, and national stability. He called for the development of financial products tailored to the realities farmers face, such as climate-related risks and seasonal production cycles.

During the assembly, Prof. Kaburu M’Ribu emphasized that farmers need access to safe agricultural inputs, reliable information, and modern technologies to maintain productivity and competitiveness. He underscored the vital role of farmer organizations in helping producers adapt to climate change, enhance yields, and access both local and international markets.

This assembly in Nairobi has gathered over 500 participants under the theme of investing in farmers’ organizations and empowering communities for sustainable agriculture. The discussions are centered on pressing issues such as food security, climate resilience, agricultural financing, innovation, and the future of global farming systems.

Kenya is leveraging this forum to advocate for increased international cooperation in the regulation of agricultural chemicals and the fight against counterfeit farm inputs. Government officials stress that stronger collaboration among regulators, manufacturers, traders, and farmers is critical for ensuring safer food systems and protecting agricultural livelihoods.

AUTHOR’S PICK

As the assembly progresses, Kenya’s message is clear: no farmer should be exposed to chemicals deemed unsafe elsewhere. Global agricultural policies must prioritize the welfare, dignity, and prosperity of farmers in every decision made. It is a plea for justice in agriculture, one that resonates deeply in the quest for a safer and more equitable food system for all.