Kirinyaga coffee farmers urge crackdown on unlicensed agro-chemicals amid health risks, market rejections
Farmers warn that fake and hazardous pesticides threaten health, quality standards, and hard-won gains in coffee earnings.
KENYA – Coffee farmers in Kenya’s Kirinyaga County have called on the government to urgently regulate the sale of agro-chemicals and intensify crackdowns on traders selling unlicensed and counterfeit products, warning that continued misuse is harming health, the environment, and coffee quality.
Farmers say the widespread use of hazardous pesticides is contributing to declining yields and repeated market rejections, particularly in export destinations with strict safety standards.
They also raised concerns that some cooperatives have failed to secure the necessary certifications, effectively locking farmers out of premium markets.
Alloise Muriithi, chairperson of Karithathi Coffee Cooperative Society, said many farmers unknowingly use dangerous chemicals due to limited training and lack of reliable information, a gap exploited by rogue traders.
He blamed weak regulation and enforcement by government agencies for allowing harmful and sometimes fake agro-chemicals to flood the market.
Muriithi urged authorities to step up inspections, shut down unlicensed outlets, and prosecute dealers involved in selling banned or counterfeit products.
Farmers also warned of the serious health risks linked to prolonged exposure to highly hazardous pesticides. Such exposure has been associated with long-term complications, including cancer, respiratory illnesses, and skin conditions, which may emerge months or years later.
Many applicators, they said, handle chemicals without protective gear, putting themselves and their families at heightened risk.
Priscilla Muchira, organiser of the Faida Coffee Expo, said the misuse of substandard pesticides has negatively affected production and incomes, leaving farmers with poor-quality cherries and reduced returns.
“Farmers are struggling because these chemicals affect flowering, berry development, and ultimately the quality of coffee,” Muchira said.
She called on the Pest Control Products Board to carry out sustained enforcement operations across the county, noting that sporadic crackdowns have failed to deter illegal dealers.
Kenya Seed Company chairperson Wangui Ngirichi said addressing the pesticide challenge requires coordinated action across health, agriculture, and environmental agencies.
“These chemicals pose a real danger not only to farmers but also to consumers. Farmers must be vigilant when purchasing agro-chemicals, but the bigger responsibility lies with regulators to protect citizens by taking legal action against those behind this harmful trade,” Ngirichi said.
The concerns come amid rising cancer cases in Kirinyaga, which health officials have partly linked to environmental and occupational exposure, including unsafe farm chemical use.
Kirinyaga is among Kenya’s leading coffee-producing counties. During the 2024–25 season, several factories paid farmers between KES 100 and KES 147 per kilogramme (US$0.65 to US$0.95), reflecting improved production and earnings.
Farmers warn that unless the pesticide problem is addressed through tighter controls, expanded training, and stronger enforcement, these gains could be quickly reversed.
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