Agriculture Committee Unveils Sweeping Reforms to Anchor PCPB in Law and Strengthen Kenya’s Agricultural Regulation

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By Irene Mwende


The Agriculture and Livestock Committee of the National Assembly has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening agricultural regulation following a productive three-day retreat in Mombasa focused on enhancing the performance of two key regulatory agencies—the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KePHIS) and the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB).

The retreat provided Members of Parliament with an in-depth understanding of the operational environments of the two institutions, including their mandates, scope of work, internal and external linkages, institutional capacities, and their critical role in safeguarding Kenya’s agricultural sector. The engagement was designed to align legislative oversight with the practical realities facing the agencies.
Speaking after the retreat, Committee Chairperson Hon. John Mutunga emphasized the importance of robust regulatory systems in protecting farmers, consumers, and the environment while promoting trade and sectoral growth.

Among the key resolutions reached was the commitment to formally anchor the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) within a comprehensive legislative framework, addressing long-standing structural gaps that have limited its effectiveness. Members agreed that clear legal grounding is essential for stability, accountability, and improved service delivery.

The Committee also resolved to identify and decisively address any challenges or “mischief” that hinder the effective performance of KePHIS and PCPB. Lawmakers underscored the need for integrity, transparency, and professionalism in regulatory operations to ensure that the institutions deliver fully on their mandates.

In a move aimed at stimulating agricultural growth, the Committee pledged to focus on cost-cutting legislative measures that will rationalize and align regulatory charges, making compliance more affordable for farmers, agribusinesses, and investors.

Additionally, Members committed to supporting faster domestication of internationally ratified protocols to ensure Kenya remains competitive in regional and global markets. Strengthening adherence to professional standards and enforcing regulations consistently were also highlighted as critical pillars for institutional growth and credibility.

The Committee further resolved to take leadership in the interpretation and communication of regulatory information, ensuring that farmers, exporters, manufacturers, and other stakeholders can fully understand and benefit from the services offered by the agencies.

At the heart of the resolutions is a clear objective: to protect human health and the environment while facilitating both local and international trade.
Hon. Mutunga reaffirmed that the National Assembly is ready to fast-track the necessary legislation, recognizing its urgency and significance to Kenya’s agricultural transformation agenda.

The Mombasa retreat marks a decisive step toward modernizing agricultural regulation and positioning the sector for sustainable growth, enhanced food security, and expanded market access.

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