The Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) is Kenya's statutory body regulating pest control products under the Pest Control Products Act, Cap 346. Established in 1982, PCPB oversees importation, manufacture, distribution, sale, transportation, disposal, and safe use of pesticides to protect human health, animals, plants, and the environment.

PCPB issues licenses for various activities, including premises certification for manufacturing, formulating, storing, selling, or using pest control products. It also licenses pest control operators (PCOs) for commercial services like fumigation and pest management. Unlicensed operations are illegal, risking fines, product seizure, or closure.

Key Licensing Categories PCPB categorizes licenses for:

• Retail dealers (agrovet shops)
• Wholesalers/distributors
• Importers
• Manufacturers/formulators
• Pest Control Operators (commercial services)
• Storage/warehousing
• Supermarkets (domestic-class pesticides only)

Pest control operators require specific licensing to apply restricted or commercial pesticides legally.

Licensing Requirements for Pest Control Operators To operate as a licensed PCO:

1. Application: Submit via eCitizen portal (pcpb.ecitizen.go.ke) or PCPB offices.
2. Business Registration: Valid company/incorporation certificate from Registrar of Companies.
3. Premises Suitability: Premises inspected for design, layout, ventilation, secure storage (locked, labeled, fire-safe), spill containment, and separation from living areas/food.
4. Qualified Personnel: Operators/technicians must hold training certificates in pesticide handling, application, safety, and toxicology from PCPB-accredited institutions. Proof of competence required.
5. Use of Registered Products: Only PCPB-registered pesticides allowed; labels must show registration numbers.
6. Insurance & Safety: Public liability insurance often needed; PPE, emergency plans, and waste disposal protocols mandatory.
7. Environmental Compliance: May require NEMA EIA report or approval for chemical use/storage.
8. Fees: Standard licensing fee around KES 10,000 (annual renewal); varies by category. Application/inspection fees apply.
9. Inspection: PCPB conducts site visits before approval; provisional certificates possible pending full compliance.

Premises Licensing Requirements (General) For storage/sale/manufacture:

• Suitable building design/layout.
• Secure, well-ventilated storage areas.
• Fire safety equipment.
• Spill kits and emergency showers (high-risk premises).
• Operator knowledge in chemistry/toxicology.
• Display of license prominently.

Application Process

1. Register on eCitizen.
2. Select service (e.g., premises certification, operator license).
3. Upload documents (ID, certificates, premises photos/plans, proof of training).
4. Pay fees online.
5. Await inspection/approval (timelines per Service Charter).
6. Receive certificate (renew annually).

Additional Notes

• All pest control products must be PCPB-registered before use/sale.
• Illegal/unregistered products or uncertified premises face enforcement.
• Verify licenses via PCPB website (pcpb.go.ke) or licensed list.
• Training from accredited bodies ensures safe handling.
• PCPB fights counterfeit/illegal pesticides to safeguard health/environment.

Compliance protects operators from penalties and ensures safe services. For details, visit pcpb.go.ke or contact PCPB at Loresho, Nairobi.