Safety of farmers and their crops have received a huge boost following the launch of Africa’s first ISO-Certified Personal Protective Clothing launched in Kenya.
The new PPEs developed in alignment with government regulatory bodies and standards is aimed at enhancing safe crop protection handling practices.
The special clothing made of breathable, reusable textile materials is a collaboration between the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB), the International Center for PPE (ICPPE) at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, BASF, and Syngenta.
The new personal protective clothing is certified under KS ISO 27065 C1, which defines performance requirements for minimum protective clothing worn by operators applying crop protection solutions and for re-entry workers.
“Our approach with the new ISO-certified garment is to balance protection and comfort,” Anugrah Shaw, Coordinator of the ICPPE Initiative
A certified ISO laboratory has tested the fabric and garments, which perform similarly to garments worn in most operator exposure studies.
Over 110 farmers throughout Kenya participated in a wear study and gave feedback on comfort, durability, color, and other design preferences.
According to Anugrah Shaw, Coordinator of the ICPPE Initiative, one of the challenges with users not wearing appropriate protective clothing is due to heat stress and comfort, an issue he said is more pronounced in tropical climates.
“Our approach with the new ISO-certified garment is to balance protection and comfort,” he said.
Huge milestone
Stakeholders have noted that the launch of the ISO 27065-certified personal protective garment in Kenya represents a significant milestone in promoting safe agricultural practices, fostering a culture of safety among farmers, and contributing to the long-term sustainability of the agricultural sector..
The collaborative effort between various stakeholders, including industry members of CropLife Kenya (aak GROW) will ensure that Kenyan farmers have access to comfortable, affordable, and locally-made protective gear.
“Farmers who use PPE correctly are motivated to carry out farming activities, they deliver better output. Creating more awareness on the correct PPE to use remains a fundamental goal for all agricultural stakeholders,” Ambrose Kirobi, farmer
“Handling and using pesticides should be done with adherence to safety measures, among them effective use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment),” said Fredrick Muchiri, the CEO Pest Control Products Board.
Given that the board is entrusted with regulating pest control products in the country, Muchiri noted that the entity remains committed to ensuring the PPEs used in Kenya meet the right standards, are affordable, and are available in our markets.
“We will continue to partner with relevant stakeholders in training Pest Control Service Providers on safety measures when handling and using Pest Control Products in our country,” he added.
His sentiments were echoed by Ambrose Kirobi, a farmer representative who noted that PPE is vital to sustainable farmer productivity.
“Farmers who use PPE correctly are motivated to carry out farming activities, they deliver better output. Creating more awareness on the correct PPE to use remains a fundamental goal for all agricultural stakeholders,” he said.
Industry players point out that as the adoption of this protective gear upsurges, it will inspire a broader shift towards prioritizing safety and responsible practices for Kenyan farmers, their communities, and the environment.
Gift Mbaya, Country Cluster Head and Head of Agriculture Solutions at BASF East Africa Ltd noted that by investing in personal protective clothing, the initiative is not only protecting the health and safety of the farmers, but also the communities in which they operate.
“We are committed to ensuring a sustainable and responsible future for the world around us,” he said.
“At Syngenta, we are committed to the safety of farmers and farm workers. We undertake extensive stewardship initiatives and are proud to be associated with the launch of the first Kenyan-made certified personal protective clothing,” said Given Mudenda, Business Area Head in East and Southern Africa.
He added: “This innovative protective garment enhances responsible crop protection handling practices and promotes 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.”
