diff --git a/bitbake/lib/bb/ui/hob.py b/bitbake/lib/bb/ui/hob.py
index e72ab23e35..1321ebbac7 100755
--- a/bitbake/lib/bb/ui/hob.py
+++ b/bitbake/lib/bb/ui/hob.py
@@ -20,10 +20,19 @@
 # with this program; if not, write to the Free Software Foundation, Inc.,
 # 51 Franklin Street, Fifth Floor, Boston, MA 02110-1301 USA.
 
-import gobject
-import gtk
 import sys
 import os
+requirements = "FATAL: pygtk (version 2.22.0 or later) and pygobject are required to use Hob"
+try:
+    import gobject
+    import gtk
+    import pygtk
+    pygtk.require('2.0') # to be certain we don't have gtk+ 1.x !?!
+    ver = gtk.pygtk_version
+    if ver  < (2, 22, 0):
+        sys.exit("%s (you have pygtk %s.%s.%s)." % (requirements, ver[0], ver[1], ver[2]))
+except ImportError as exc:
+    sys.exit("%s (%s)." % (requirements, str(exc)))
 sys.path.insert(0, os.path.dirname(os.path.dirname(os.path.dirname(__file__))))
 try:
     import bb