Fresh concerns are emerging in Kenya after a new environmental report linked hazardous agricultural chemicals to contamination in honey, rivers, and soil, raising questions about food safety and public health.
The study, backed by Greenpeace Africa, says chemicals widely used on farms are spreading far beyond crops and into ecosystems that communities depend on.
Tests carried out in Murang’a County, Kiambu County, and Nairobi found multiple toxic substances in bee products, suggesting pollinators are being exposed to dangerous levels of contamination.
Researchers say many of the substances identified are considered highly hazardous, while several have already been banned in the European Union.
Scientists warn that bees are among the biggest victims. Exposure can weaken their immunity, disrupt navigation, reduce breeding success, and in some cases kill colonies. Since bees play a major role in crop pollination, their decline could threaten harvests and long-term food production.
The report also found heavy pesticide use among farmers in Kiambu and Nairobi, with many applying chemicals weekly and sometimes combining different products.
Water quality is another growing concern. River samples collected around Kisumu reportedly showed widespread contamination.
Researchers further warned that polluted environments may contribute to the spread of illnesses such as Schistosomiasis and Malaria, while some mosquito larvae are becoming resistant to chemical treatments.
The findings are likely to intensify calls for tighter regulation of pesticide use and stronger protection for both farmers and consumers in Kenya.
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