The National Assembly Agriculture and Livestock Committee Members have been informed that two proposed Pest Control Products Bill, 2025 and Plant Protection Bill, 2025 are expected to contribute to food safety and security in the Country.
Dr. Paul Rono, the Principal Secretary for Agriculture stated this during a meeting with the Members to sensitize them on the Plant Protection Bill, 2025 which is an Act of Parliament to provide a regulatory and institutional framework for the prevention of introduction, establishment and spread of plant pests; management of plant pests; facilitate safe trade in plants, plant products and other regulated articles; and for connected purposes.
According to the PS, Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) and Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) play a critical role in management of food system and should be strengthened.
“These Bills are coming at the right time, they are rich and ready to go to the next level and they will enhance measures to control diseases and enforce compliance.
We need to enforce penalties and make sure those selling counterfeit products are brough to book for they are a danger to Kenyans and the environment,” the PS said.
Why is Plant Protection Bill important?
In his presentation on the why Plant Protection Bill, 2025, KEPHIS Director Dr. Isaac Macharia, stated that the current Plant Protection Act, Cap 324 was enacted back in 1937 and was last reviewed in 1972.
He further stated that there is need for clear separation of the role of county and National governments in pest management.
While reacting to the rationale of the Bill, the Committee Chairperson John Mutunga (Tigania West) asked what had informed the decision to propose a Ksh 250,000 as penalty for offenders insisting that it is very low.
The chairperson also questioned the quarantine approach asking on the readiness to handle high quantity of goods and whether it seals off all alternative route.
“Our laws are very silent and we have witnessed a lot of disinformation surrounding plants. I think there should be a rule that only communication from KEPHIS on plants and plants health should be final,” Mutunga said.
Kanduyi MP John Makali cautioned against running into legal actions stating that the proposed Bill should clearly outline and separate the roles of National and County governments in pest management.
What is Pest Control Products Bill about?
Earlier, the committee was taken through the proposed Pest Control Products Bill, 2025.
The bill seeks to regulate the importation, exportation, manufacture, acquisition, distribution, advertising, use and disposal of products used for the control of pests and organic function of plants.
It also proposes to establish and provide for the powers and functions of the Pest Control Products Authority; and for connected purpose.
