08/06/2026
CS KAGWE CALLS FOR GLOBAL ACTION ON HAZARDOUS AGROCHEMICALS AS KENYA HOSTS WORLD FARMERS' ORGANISATION GENERAL ASSEMBLY
CS Sen. Mutahi Kagwe, has called for urgent global action to eliminate hazardous agricultural chemicals and end what he described as a double standard that exposes farmers in developing countries to substances banned elsewhere due to health and environmental risks.
Speaking during the opening ceremony of the 2026 World Farmers' Organisation (WFO) General Assembly, CS Kagwe urged governments, regulators, manufacturers and international organisations to harmonise global standards on agricultural chemicals and place farmers' welfare at the centre of agricultural policy and investment.
"The world cannot continue operating under a double standard when it comes to agricultural chemicals," CS Kagwe said, noting that products considered unsafe in one country should not be marketed in another under less stringent regulations.
He further emphasized the need to protect farmers from the dangers posed by hazardous agrochemicals, counterfeit farm inputs and illegal agricultural products, which continue to undermine food safety, public health, environmental sustainability and access to markets. The Cabinet Secretary called for greater international collaboration to address these challenges while ensuring that farmers' health, dignity and prosperity remain a priority.
CS Kagwe also urged policymakers and development partners to place farmers at the centre of agricultural policies and investments, noting that supporting farmers is critical to achieving food security, economic growth and sustainable development. He highlighted Kenya's efforts to modernize agriculture through technology and data-driven systems aimed at improving service delivery and productivity.
The World Farmers' Organisation General Assembly is taking place at Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi, from 8th to 11th June 2026, bringing together farmers' organizations, agribusiness leaders, policymakers and development partners from across the globe. The theme of the event is "Future Fields: Investing in Farmers' Organisations and Empowering Communities for Sustainable Agriculture".
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