Farmers have been asked to embrace the use of biological pesticides as a way of mitigating climate change and solving negative impact towards the environment caused by prolonged use of chemical pesticides in farming.
A training exercise for farmers was organised in Kabaa area of Machakos County by Mount Kenya University (MKU) in collaboration with the University of Nairobi and other partners recently. The one-day training brought more than 30 farmers from the county.
Speaking during the training, Prof. Cecilia Moraa Onyango, an associate professor, Department of Crop Science and Crop Protection at the University of Nairobi, said the move will help farmers who spent too much money buying chemicals pesticides, save money and reduce use of harmful pesticides environment while increasing their yields.
“Embracing biological pesticides offers a sustainable solution, reducing costs for farmers while simultaneously protecting our delicate ecosystem,” Prof. Onyango stated, emphasizing the dual benefits of the transition.
Dr Allan Mweke a lecturer from MKU’s Department of Animal Health and Production, said the new farming technology of using biological pesticides will impact farmers struggling to boost production due to high level of resistant pests on farm produce and prolonged use of chemical pesticides besides reducing interceptions of Kenyan produce in international markets due to presence of harmful pesticides in levels beyond acceptable maximum residue levels occasioning farmers and exporters huge losses. During the field activity, the two teams demonstrated to local farmers how to use biological pest control methods.
He explained that many farmers face dwindling productivity due to the alarming rise of pesticide-resistant pests, a direct consequence of the prolonged and widespread application of chemical treatments.
“Biological pesticides provide a viable alternative, helping farmers overcome these resistant pest challenges and ultimately achieve higher, more consistent yields,” Dr. Mweke affirmed.
The training session, which saw the participation of over 30 farmers from across Machakos County, aimed to equip them with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to implement these environmentally friendly pest control methods.
The project titled: Advancement and adaptation of agricultural biologicals to meet sub-Saharan Africa small holder farmers’ needs and build sustainable food systems (AgBio4SSA) is funded by National Research Fund and is part of a regional project aimed at promoting sustainable farming practices in Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa.
In a related development, MKU will be holding its Annual Tree Planting Exercise on Friday morning 11th July 2025 at the Pavilion Graduation Square in Thika town.
“We’re targeting to plant over 1,000 tree seedlings as we go green and celebrate our 27th Graduation Eve,” the university says in a statement while inviting this year’s graduates, students, lecturers, management and stakeholders to participate in the green environment exercise.
Last month, MKU Chancellor, Prof John Struthers announced the conferment of degree and various University Awards at the 27th Graduation ceremony will be held on Friday, 8th August, 2025.
“On behalf of the University Council, Management Board and the University Senate, I wish to inform all prospective graduands that the event will be held at the graduation pavilion, Happy Valley ground, along Garissa Road.
The graduation ceremony will be presided over by Prof. John Struthers, who will award Diplomas and Certificates and degrees. The list of prospective graduands who have cleared with the university will be posted on the University website.
“Any potential graduand whose name is not on the list should immediately notify the respective school through emails posted on the University website,” he says.
Online clearance for graduation should be done through the University Management Information System. Graduands should have cleared academically and financially, with the University by 4th July, 2025 for their names to be included in the graduation booklet and certificate list, he cautions the students.
