Kenya Enhances Phytosanitary Systems to Bolster Food Security and Trade

Nairobi, Kenya – The Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) has completed an extensive assessment of the country’s national plant health systems. This assessment, crucial for food security and safe trade, marks a significant step in strengthening Kenya’s phytosanitary systems.

According to Kenya News Agency, Director of the Plant Protection and Food Safety Directorate at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, the ministry has recently finalized a phytosanitary policy set to be launched soon. The policy aims to address challenges posed by pests like the Maize Lethal Necrotic Disease (MLN), False Codling Moth, Fall Army Worm, and the re-emergence of pests such as Desert locusts. These pests have significant impacts on agriculture, the environment, and society, particularly affecting rural communities through crop destruction and loss of income.

Marangu stated that the evaluation of Kenya’s phytosanitary capacity was driven by the need to identify areas for strengthening. The process involved diverse expertise, resulting in a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by the phytosanitary system in Kenya.

The Ministry of Agriculture is committed to supporting KEPHIS in implementing strategies to enhance the phytosanitary capacity of the country. The Director thanked the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for their support in various programs, including the management of fall army worm and locusts.

KEPHIS Managing Director Prof. Theophilus Mutui explained that the Phytosanitary Capacity Evaluation (PCE) aims to enhance phytosanitary systems by strengthening the National Plant Protection Organizations’ (NPPOs) capacities and resources. The process identifies critical gaps and proposes solutions using results-based management tools and strategic planning methodologies.

Mutui highlighted that with IPPC’s support, KEPHIS identified key gaps and formulated an action plan to improve Kenya’s phytosanitary system. This improvement is crucial for enabling trade in plants and plant products that are safe and free from pests and diseases, ensuring compliance with international market requirements.

One of the identified gaps was the legal regulatory framework. The Cabinet has approved the national phytosanitary policy, and a draft plant protection bill has been developed, addressing the regulation of plants and plant products to prevent the introduction of foreign pests and diseases and ensure effective disease surveillance.

Three PCE missions were conducted in Kenya between June and November 2023, engaging various stakeholders to identify weaknesses and suggest solutions for enhancing the country’s phytosanitary capacity. The evaluation considered 13 modules covering all aspects of NPPO, with the aim of strengthening the phytosanitary system to protect plant health, biodiversity, and contribute to food security.

FAO Program Associate Stanley Kimere emphasized the importance of phytosanitary capacity evaluation in addressing food safety at the country level. Strengthening phytosanitary capacity is vital for mitigating pest spread and promoting food safety, which is integral to food security.

The evaluation, funded by the European Union, was requested by KEPHIS to address the gaps partially identified in a previous assessment in 2018. Kenya, known for its export of horticultural products, has access to avocado markets in China, India, Malaysia, and is a leading exporter of cut flowers to the European Union.