Kenya launches pesticide residue monitoring framework
New system aims to improve food safety and boost horticultural exports by coordinating testing and data.
Kenya has launched its National Pesticide Residue Monitoring Framework (NPRMF) to coordinate pesticide residue testing and data analysis across the agricultural sector. The framework, developed with technical support from CABI's PlantwisePlus programme, aims to ensure food safety compliance and improve access to domestic and export markets. The initiative was developed over two years with input from various government bodies, laboratories, exporters, and county governments.
Agriculture Secretary James Wanjohi stated at the October 15 launch in Nairobi that food control is a multisectoral effort, emphasizing the importance of farm-to-fork collaboration. This framework matters for exporters as Kenya’s horticultural exports have faced rejections in Europe due to exceeding pesticide residue limits, particularly for beans and peas. The coordinated system will provide a single reference for testing data, helping exporters demonstrate compliance and allowing regulators to identify issues before shipments are rejected.
A pilot phase conducted between May and June 2025 in five counties identified capacity gaps and informed the final framework. The government acknowledges that sustained funding is required for equipment, training, and sample collection to make the system operational. The framework's success will depend on whether the monitoring data leads to actionable guidance for farmers or simply serves as a compliance record.
Why it mattersKenyan farmers and horticultural exporters are directly affected by this framework, which aims to prevent rejections of their produce in export markets due to pesticide residue limits.