A heated debate has erupted after Egerton University released a study titled ‘Influence of On-farm Pesticide Practices and Processing Methods on Pesticide Residue Levels in Potato Tubers in Nyandarua County, Kenya’. The report suggested that many farmers in the region rely on unregulated pesticide advice, with only 11.85% following manufacturer guidelines, while 74.63% depend on agrochemical retailers and 13.32% follow fellow farmers’ recommendations.
However, Mt Kenya governors, led by Nyeri’s Dr. Mutahi Kahiga and Nyandarua’s Dr. Kiarie Badilisha, have dismissed the findings as “unfounded rumors.” They argue that farmers only use government-approved chemicals and that the study failed to consult local growers before publication.
What Does the Science Say?
Globally, pesticide misuse is a major concern in agriculture. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 385 million cases of pesticide poisoning occur annually, with smallholder farmers at high risk due to inadequate safety measures. In Kenya, the Pesticides Control Products Board (PCPB) regulates agrochemicals, but enforcement remains weak in remote areas.
A 2023 study by the University of Nairobi found that 40% of sampled potatoes in major markets had pesticide residues above permissible limits, supporting concerns about improper usage. Meanwhile, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warns that over-reliance on chemical pesticides threatens long-term soil health and food safety.
Farmers’ Perspective vs. Scientific Evidence
Nyandarua farmers, who contribute significantly to Kenya’s 1.35 million-ton annual potato production, feel unfairly targeted. Governor Badilisha insists they follow approved practices, but the lack of independent monitoring raises doubts.
Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu has called for further studies by Chuka, Embu, and Laikipia universities to verify Egerton’s findings. This highlights the need for transparent, collaborative research to address food safety without harming farmer livelihoods.
Balancing Safety and Sustainability
While leaders defend local farming practices, scientific evidence suggests pesticide misuse is a real risk in Kenya’s potato sector. Instead of dismissing reports, stakeholders should:
- Improve farmer training on safe pesticide use.
- Strengthen regulatory enforcement to prevent harmful chemical sales.
- Promote integrated pest management (IPM) to reduce reliance on synthetic pesticides.
Sustainable farming benefits everyone—ensuring food security, farmer income, and consumer health.
