WildlifeDirect Demands Urgent Pesticide Reforms After 15 Elephant Deaths in Amboseli

Wildlife conservation organisation WildlifeDirect has called for an independent investigation and sweeping reforms to Kenya's pesticide regulation following the deaths of at least 15 elephants in the Amboseli ecosystem, warning that the incident exposes a wider public health and environmental crisis.

In a statement, WildlifeDirect Chief Executive Officer Dr. Paula Kahumbu said the deaths should not be viewed as an isolated wildlife tragedy but as evidence of serious weaknesses in Kenya's pesticide governance, regulatory oversight and enforcement systems.

She warned that if toxic chemicals used in farming are capable of contaminating crops consumed by elephants, there are growing concerns over the potential risks to farmers, farm workers, neighbouring communities, livestock and consumers.

According to preliminary investigations by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), the elephant deaths have been linked to cyanide contamination associated with pesticides used on tomato farms neighbouring Amboseli National Park, Kimana Sanctuary and Kuku Ranch. KWS Director General Prof. Erustus Kanga confirmed that laboratory tests detected traces of cyanide in the animals' digestive systems.

WildlifeDirect said 10 of the 15 elephants displayed symptoms of partial paralysis before dying within one to two days, with most of the victims being adult females and calves, considered the reproductive backbone of the elephant population.

The conservation group noted that the incident follows the poisoning of six lions and 32 vultures in the same ecosystem in January 2026, arguing that the repeated cases point to systemic failures rather than isolated incidents.

The organisation also raised concerns over the possible impact of hazardous pesticides on human health, citing links between chronic pesticide exposure and illnesses such as cancer, hormonal disorders, immune suppression, miscarriages and developmental challenges.

WildlifeDirect referenced a recent Auditor General's performance audit, which found that the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) had failed to adequately monitor and enforce compliance with pesticide regulations. The audit reported that authorities seized 28,617 kilogrammes of expired, counterfeit and unregistered pesticides during the 2024/25 financial year and highlighted gaps in post-registration surveillance and environmental impact assessments.

The organisation urged the Government to immediately launch an independent and transparent investigation involving KWS, the PCPB, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), the Ministries of Health, Water and Agriculture, county governments and independent scientific experts.

It also called for stronger accountability against regulators who fail to enforce the law, tougher penalties for individuals and companies dealing in illegal pesticides, a nationwide audit of pesticide registration and distribution, improved public access to information on chemical use and residue testing, and greater investment in farmer education and safer agricultural practices.

"The Amboseli elephants may have revealed a much larger problem. Their deaths should prompt a national conversation about how hazardous chemicals are regulated, monitored and enforced in Kenya. Protecting wildlife, protecting farmers, and protecting public health are not competing priorities—they are one and the same," said Dr. Kahumbu.

The Amboseli ecosystem is home to an estimated 2,000 elephants, making it one of Kenya's most important wildlife conservation landscapes. WildlifeDirect warned that decisive action is needed to prevent similar incidents and safeguard both biodiversity and public health.