Kirinyaga: Rice farmers in Kirinyaga County are set to benefit from free protective gear and training on safe chemical handling following the launch of the Kilimo Swafi Campaign by the African Centre for Corrective and Preventive Action (ACCPA). The initiative, unveiled at the Mwea West rice plantations, will see farmers receive 3.8 million pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) between 2025 and 2028.

According to Kenya News Agency, the campaign aims to protect farmers from harmful exposure to agrochemicals while promoting safer farming practices. Beyond distributing protective gear, the program will also train farmers on proper disposal of chemical waste and advocate for a ban on hazardous products that are already outlawed but continue to flood markets.

Speaking during the launch, ACCPA Founder Mwangi Macharia underscored the importance of prioritizing farmer safety. Macharia said the Kilimo Swafi Campaign is part of a broader effort to make farming not only productive but also safe for both farmers and consumers. He noted that less than 1,000 farmers in over 25,000 acres of plantation in Mwea currently use PPEs, which he described as concerning, calling on both levels of government to consider the safety of the farmers.

Macharia also raised concerns over the rapidly increasing number of agrochemical outlets, despite having very few inspection officers. ‘Only about 15 percent of farmers have PPEs. As an organization, we want to partner with stakeholders to ensure that in all 47 counties, farmers have access to PPEs. Farmers often buy counterfeit or fake chemicals cheaply, without being informed of the dangers,’ he added.

Peter Chege, chairperson of the rice farmers, expressed gratitude to the organization for the training on self-protection from the harmful effects of agricultural chemicals, a danger that farmers face daily. He urged the government, international organizations, and all relevant bodies to consider the welfare of farmers, especially by providing education, protective gear, and access to health services.

Chege highlighted the financial burden on farmers due to health issues caused by pesticide exposure, urging farmers to take protective measures seriously. ‘Even if the government cannot provide everything, protect yourself for the sake of your own life and that of your family. Farming is the backbone of our economy, but we must also protect the health and safety of our farmers,’ he said.

One of the farmers, Samuel Kariuki, noted the challenge of disposing of chemical waste, saying the situation endangers health and contributes to the rise of serious illnesses. He asked the authorities to provide an official and safe system for collecting and disposing of these agricultural chemical containers, emphasizing the current unsafe disposal practices that threaten the environment and public health.