Nairobi. Kenya has introduced a new range of cost-effective and comfortable personal protective clothing, essential for safe crop protection handling. This new protective gear was launched on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, by Kenya’s Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) in collaboration with the International Centre for Personal Protective Equipment (ICPPE) at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, along with BASF and Syngenta.
The launch followed a comprehensive study involving over 110 farmers who provided feedback on key aspects such as comfort, durability, and color preferences.
With an alarming 44% of the world’s 860 million farmers experiencing pesticide-related poisoning, stakeholders are intensifying efforts to combat these dangers.
A 2020 report by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) in the United States highlighted the inadequate use of protective gear as a major contributor to pesticide poisoning, with farmers in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Africa being the most affected.
In response, the new protective clothing has been introduced in East Africa to mitigate the harmful effects of pesticide exposure on farmers. Fredrick Muchiri, the Chief Executive Officer of Kenya’s Pest Control Products Board, emphasized during the launch that this initiative is a result of collaboration between PCPB, ICPPE, BASF, and Syngenta.
“The development of this protective clothing was driven by the urgent need to protect farmers’ health as they handle pesticides in the field,” Muchiri said.
Before its official launch, the clothing was tested by farmers across Kenya, who provided valuable feedback on its design and functionality.
“The use of pesticides must adhere to strict safety measures, including the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). As the regulatory body for pest control products in Kenya, we are committed to ensuring that PPE used in our country meets the highest standards, is affordable, and is readily available in our markets,” Muchiri added.
He further highlighted the significance of PPE in sustainable farming, noting that the use of this new protective clothing helps farmers achieve better yields without compromising their health. The ISO-certified protective gear is made from breathable and reusable textile materials.
Gift Mbaya, Regional Head of Agriculture Solutions at BASF East Africa, pointed out that investing in protective clothing not only safeguards farmers’ health but also protects the wider community. “By investing in personal protective clothing, we are ensuring a sustainable and responsible future for the communities we serve,” Mbaya stated.
Anugrah Shaw, Coordinator of the ICPPE initiative, acknowledged that some farmers are reluctant to wear protective clothing due to concerns about heat and discomfort. However, the new gear is designed to address these concerns by balancing protection with comfort.
Given Mudenda, Business Area Head for East and Southern Africa, emphasized the importance of this initiative in ensuring the safety of farmers and farm workers.
“We are proud to be associated with the launch of the first Kenyan-made certified personal protective clothing. This innovative garment promotes responsible crop protection practices and fosters a safety culture among farmers and operators across the country and potentially beyond. Every farmer deserves access to quality protective gear, enabling them to work sustainably,” Mudenda said.