Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has voiced strong opposition to the newly proposed Pest Control Products Regulations, accusing the Ministry of Agriculture of sidelining county governments in their formulation.
Lusaka, who also serves as the Chair of the Agriculture Committee within the Council of Governors-Kenya, termed the move by the national government as "unacceptable" and an infringement on devolved functions.
"As the Chair of the Council of Governors-Kenya Agriculture Committee, I strongly oppose the proposed Pest Control Products Regulations. The Ministry of Agriculture completely sidelined counties during their formulation, yet we’re expected to implement them," said Governor Lusaka in a statement issued on Tuesday.
He criticized the draft regulations as not only impractical but also a direct encroachment on the mandates of county governments.
"This is unacceptable, especially since agriculture is a fully devolved function. Many of the provisions are impractical and infringe on county mandates," he added.
Lusaka called for meaningful engagement between the Ministry of Agriculture and county governments, urging the national government to uphold the principles of consultation and cooperation as outlined in the Constitution.
"I urge the ministry to always consult counties on such matters to ensure smooth implementation and success," he said.
The Governor’s remarks come amid growing concern among devolved units over the increasing tendency by national ministries and agencies to draft policies without adequate input from the counties, especially in areas that fall under their jurisdiction.
The contested regulations, if implemented in their current form, would govern the use, distribution, and registration of pest control products across the country.
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