Kenyan senators are sounding the alarm over food safety concerns after a recent study revealed alarming levels of pesticide residues in potatoes grown in Nyandarua County one of the country's primary potato-producing regions.

The Senate Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Committee, chaired by Bungoma Senator Wafula Wakoli, met with researchers from Egerton University on Thursday, July 31, 2025, to deliberate on findings from a new study that underscores serious lapses in pesticide use among smallholder farmers.

The research, titled “Influence of On-Farm Pesticide Practices and Processing Methods on Pesticide Residue Levels in Potato Tubers,” paints a grim picture: 98.8 percent of farmers in the region use synthetic pesticides to manage pests and diseases, but only a small fraction just 11.85 percent follow the manufacturer’s safety guidelines. Most farmers reportedly depend on informal advice from agrochemical sellers or fellow farmers, leading to widespread misuse.

The consequences are disturbing. The study found traces of highly toxic and banned substances including chlorpyrifos and fenitrothion in potato samples, some at concentrations exceeding international safety limits set by the European Union and Codex Alimentarius.

“This is a silent crisis in our food system,” said Senator Catherine Mumma, expressing outrage that unsuspecting households across the country could be ingesting dangerous chemicals. “Kenyans should not be eating poison disguised as food. This is a public health emergency, and the government must act now.”

Egerton researchers noted that although traditional cooking methods like frying and boiling reduce some pesticide residues, certain toxic chemicals, especially chlorpyrifos, remain in the food even after cooking. They further observed that premature harvesting especially when done within three weeks of pesticide application significantly raises toxicity levels.

Senators attributed the widespread misuse of pesticides to inadequate training, lack of government support, and misinformation among farmers. Kisumu Senator Prof. Tom Ojienda said the situation reflected deeper structural failures, particularly the shortage of agricultural extension officers and poor enforcement of existing pesticide regulations.

The committee called for urgent reforms to close regulatory gaps, strengthen the Pest Control Products Board, and roll out comprehensive farmer training programs on pesticide use and safety. Lawmakers also pushed for closer monitoring of agrochemical imports and retail activities, with several senators demanding a nationwide audit of pesticide distributors and retailers.

Senators Alexander Mundigi (Embu), Moses Kajwang’ (Homa Bay), Abass Sheikh (Wajir), Wahome Wamatinga (Nyeri), and Mwenda Gataya (Tharaka Nithi) were among those present and supported calls for institutionalizing routine scientific testing of food products in the country.

As the Senate awaits a detailed report on the session, all eyes are now on the Ministry of Agriculture and allied agencies to take swift action to protect consumers and restore confidence in the nation’s food safety systems.