Ministry of Health Warns Counties Over Pesticide Residues in Market Vegetables

By Monyonge Kebati

The Ministry of Health has issued an advisory to county governments following the release of a study that found widespread pesticide residues in fresh produce sold in public markets. The research, conducted by the Kenya Organic Agriculture Network (KOAN), the University of Nairobi and SGS Kenya Laboratories, sampled vegetables from major markets in Nairobi and Nakuru and found that 77.8 percent contained detectable pesticide residues. About one-third of the samples exceeded internationally recognised safety limits, while kale and spinach were found to contain residues from as many as seven different pesticides.
Despite the findings, the Ministry has emphasized that the results should not trigger public panic or discourage people from eating vegetables. Instead, it noted that the concern relates to repeated, long-term exposure to pesticide residues rather than the health effects of consuming a single meal. The advisory says the focus should be on improving food safety practices while maintaining the nutritional benefits of fresh produce.
To address the issue, county governments have been directed to intensify inspections and testing of vegetables in public markets, particularly high-consumption crops such as kale, spinach, tomatoes and onions. They have also been asked to educate households on simple food preparation methods—including thorough washing, soaking and peeling where appropriate—which studies show can significantly reduce pesticide residues.
The Ministry further wants counties to work closely with produce traders, farmers and producer associations to reinforce compliance with maximum residue limits and proper pesticide application practices. Counties have also been instructed to submit inspection reports and any available produce-testing data, while cases of excessive residue levels should be reported to the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) and the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS).
At the national level, the Ministry says it has established an inter-agency task force bringing together the PCPB, KEBS, KEPHIS and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development to review the study’s findings and recommend appropriate regulatory action. Counties will receive further guidance once the review is complete.