Mutahi Kagwe Calls Out Global Double Standards On Agricultural Chemicals
News Updated: 08 June 2026 17:41 EAT
Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Mutahi Kagwe, at the opening ceremony of the 2026 World Farmers’ Organisation (WFO) General Assembly in Nai
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has called for a global rethink on how agricultural chemicals are regulated, warning against what he described as unfair double standards that allow products considered unsafe in one country to continue being sold in others. Speaking in Nairobi during a meeting of global agricultural stakeholders, Kagwe argued that weaker regulations and economic realities in developing countries should not justify exposing farmers to products rejected elsewhere.
Kagwe said countries must adopt a consistent approach to protecting human health, food systems and the environment. He maintained that if scientific assessments determine that a pesticide poses unacceptable risks in one jurisdiction, then exporting and marketing the same product to other regions undermines the principle of equal protection and responsible trade.
The Cabinet Secretary linked the issue to Kenya’s broader efforts to strengthen oversight of agricultural inputs and improve standards across the farming sector. He noted that harmful and low-quality farm chemicals continue to threaten productivity, reduce consumer confidence and create long-term environmental concerns that affect both local and export agriculture.
His remarks come at a time when Kenya has intensified reforms targeting the regulation of pesticides and other agricultural products. Authorities have increasingly focused on reviewing products in circulation and aligning national policies with evolving international expectations on food safety, environmental sustainability and public health safeguards.
Kagwe also highlighted growing concern over counterfeit agricultural inputs, describing fake and substandard products as a major challenge facing farmers. He said the spread of such products damages crop performance, increases production costs and leaves farmers vulnerable to financial losses while weakening confidence in agricultural supply chains.
According to government concerns raised during recent engagements, pesticides, herbicides and insecticides remain among the categories most vulnerable to counterfeiting. Fertilisers, seeds and soil enhancement products have also been identified as areas requiring closer monitoring and stronger market enforcement mechanisms.
Recent enforcement efforts by authorities have included operations targeting illegal and counterfeit agricultural products in different parts of the country. Officials say such measures are intended to protect farmers, improve accountability within distribution channels and ensure only approved products reach the market.
Kagwe called on governments, manufacturers, regulators and agricultural organisations to increase cooperation in monitoring chemical trade, improving traceability systems and establishing stronger standards across borders. He said coordinated action would be essential to stop harmful products from moving across markets and to preserve confidence in global agricultural trade.
The discussions held in Nairobi reflect a wider international debate over sustainable agriculture and the future of food production. With growing pressure to increase output while protecting people and ecosystems, policymakers continue to face questions about how to ensure that safety standards apply equally across all regions.
Tags: Agriculture Finance Corporation Editor's Pick Editors choice Kenya Integrated Agricultural Management Information System Kisii Agricultural Training College Ministry Of Agriculture Mutahi Kagwe Signs Signs Media Signs Media Kenya Limited Signs Tv Signsmedia Signst Signstv SignsTV Signstvfao Signstvkenya Signsv
Share this article
FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD