Kenya's Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has urged the Common Market for East and Southern Africa (COMESA) to implement a ban on hazardous pesticides across its 21-member states. Speaking at the 9th Joint COMESA Ministerial Meeting in Lusaka, Kagwe emphasized that inconsistent pesticide regulations undermine food safety and regional trade, proposing immediate harmonization of chemical safety standards.

• Kagwe warned that the continued circulation of banned chemicals compromises food safety, public health, and agricultural trade.
• The proposed ban would affect 21 COMESA countries, including Kenya, Uganda, and Zambia.
• Kenya highlighted the significant financial impact of hazardous pesticides, including export rejections and economic disruption from bans without viable alternatives for farmers.