Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has called for urgent global action to eliminate hazardous agricultural chemicals, warning that farmers in developing countries continue to face unacceptable risks from products that have already been banned elsewhere due to health and environmental concerns.
Speaking during the opening of the 2026 General Assembly of the World Farmers’ Organisation (WFO) in Nairobi, Kagwe challenged governments, regulators, manufacturers, and international organizations to harmonize standards governing agricultural chemicals and place farmers’ welfare at the heart of global agricultural policies.
“The world cannot continue operating under a double standard when it comes to agricultural chemicals,” Kagwe stated, emphasizing that substances considered unsafe in one country should not be allowed into markets with weaker regulatory systems.
Addressing delegates from farmers’ organizations, development partners, agribusiness leaders, and policymakers from around the world, the Cabinet Secretary stressed that the health, safety, and dignity of farmers must be valued equally regardless of geographical location.
Kagwe noted that the continued circulation of unsafe agrochemicals and counterfeit farm inputs poses serious threats to food safety, public health, environmental sustainability, and international trade. He called for stronger international cooperation to combat the illegal trafficking, counterfeiting, and misuse of agricultural inputs.
The CS further argued that protecting farmers should extend beyond boosting productivity and expanding market access. Instead, he said, policymakers must prioritize farmers’ overall wellbeing, ensuring they are safeguarded from harmful practices and unsafe products.
Highlighting the need for broader reforms, Kagwe urged the global community to place farmers at the center of agricultural policy discussions and investment decisions. He described investment in farmers as a strategic investment in food security, economic growth, and national stability.
He also showcased Kenya’s efforts to modernize the agricultural sector through technology and data-driven solutions, including the Kenya Integrated Agricultural Management Information System (KIAMIS), which aims to improve service delivery and support informed decision-making across the sector.
The opening ceremony was attended by key agricultural leaders, including Principal Secretary for Livestock Development Jonathan Mueke, Principal Secretary for Agriculture Dr. Kipronoh Ronoh, and representatives from the Kenya National Farmers' Federation.
As deliberations continue at the WFO General Assembly, Kagwe challenged global leaders to ensure that every policy recommendation and investment commitment emerging from the conference is guided by one overriding principle: putting farmers first.
