Kirinyaga Rice Farmers to Receive Protective Gear in Kilimo Swafi Campaign

Key Highlights

• 3.8 million pieces of protective gear to be distributed to farmers in Kirinyaga between 2025 and 2028 under the Kilimo Swafi Campaign.
• Initiative launched by the African Centre for Corrective and Preventive Action (ACCPA) at Mwea West rice plantations.
• Campaign focuses on safe chemical handling, farmer training, and proper waste disposal.
• Less than 15% of rice farmers currently use PPEs, leaving many exposed to harmful agrochemicals.
• Farmers urged to adopt protective measures and called for government support, regulation of chemical outlets, and safe disposal systems.
• Leaders warn that counterfeit chemicals and poor waste management are endangering farmers’ health and the environment.

Rice farmers in Kirinyaga County are set to benefit from free protective gear and training on safe agrochemical handling following the launch of the Kilimo Swafi Campaign by the African Centre for Corrective and Preventive Action (ACCPA).

The initiative, unveiled at the Mwea West rice plantations, will distribute 3.8 million pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) to farmers between 2025 and 2028.

Farmers will also receive training on the safe disposal of chemical waste and awareness on the dangers of hazardous products, some of which remain in circulation despite being outlawed.

ACCPA Founder Mwangi Macharia said the program is part of efforts to make farming both productive and safe. He lamented that less than 1,000 farmers in over 25,000 acres of Mwea plantations currently use PPEs, calling it a major health and safety concern.

“It is not acceptable that we have normalized cyclical poisoning of our lives and environment due to carelessness and indifference. Farmers are the first and last line of defense when it comes to safety,” Macharia said.

He also raised concerns over the rising number of agrochemical outlets, noting that inspections remain inadequate.

Farmers’ representatives welcomed the initiative. Peter Chege, chairperson of rice farmers, thanked ACCPA for prioritizing farmer safety, noting that many farmers spend a large portion of their earnings on hospital bills linked to pesticide exposure.

“We must protect ourselves for the sake of our lives and families. Farming sustains our economy, but our health must not be sacrificed,” Chege said, urging farmers to wear boots, gloves, and masks when handling chemicals.

Another farmer, Samuel Kariuki, highlighted the lack of safe disposal systems for chemical containers.

“Currently, bottles and containers are being thrown in farms, rivers, roads, and even homes, putting lives at risk,” he said, appealing to authorities for official waste collection and disposal solutions.

The campaign seeks to establish a culture of safe farming practices while ensuring Kenyan farmers have the knowledge, equipment, and support needed to protect both their health and the environment.