Kenya Bans Glyphosate Imports Pending Review, Organic Sector Applauds Move

In a landmark move, the Kenyan Government has suspended the importation of glyphosate-based herbicides, pending a comprehensive safety review. The ban, announced by the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) and the Ministry of Agriculture, takes immediate effect and is being celebrated as a victory for sustainable and organic agriculture.

Glyphosate, a widely used chemical in conventional weed control, has been under global scrutiny for its links to potential human health risks and environmental degradation. Kenya joins a growing list of countries, including Germany and Sri Lanka, in reassessing the long-term effects of the herbicide.

Key Points on the Suspension:

• Covers all imports of glyphosate-based formulations
• Existing stocks to be used within a 6-month grace period
• Establishment of an independent technical taskforce to review scientific data

Organic Sector Response:

Stakeholders in the organic movement have welcomed the ban as an opportunity to promote regenerative weed control methods. Some of the eco-friendly alternatives being recommended include:

• Cover cropping to outcompete weeds
• Organic mulching with plant residues
• Manual and mechanical weeding tools
• Use of bio-herbicides derived from plant-based compounds

The government has also pledged funding for public awareness and training programs aimed at smallholder farmers transitioning to chemical-free practices.

This move may also open up new market opportunities for Kenyan organic produce, especially in export markets where glyphosate-free certification is increasingly required.