Nairobi, Kenya – The Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) has concluded an important evaluation of the country’s phytosanitary systems, a crucial step in ensuring food security and safe agricultural trade. This announcement was made following a workshop validating the Phytosanitary Capacity Evaluation (PCE) results for Kenya.
According to Kenya News Agency, Director of the Plant Protection and Food Safety Directorate at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, the recent threats posed by pests such as the Maize Lethal Necrotic Disease, False Codling Moth, and Fall Army Worm have necessitated a review and strengthening of Kenya’s phytosanitary capacity. The Ministry has been proactive in enhancing these systems and has recently finalized a phytosanitary policy, which is soon to be launched.
Marangu, represented by Deputy Director Teresia Karanja at the workshop, emphasized the wide-ranging impacts of plant pests on agriculture, the environment, and society, particularly affecting rural communities through decreased crop yields and earnings. He highlighted that this evaluation, which involved diverse expertise, will comprehensively reflect the challenges in Kenya’s phytosanitary system.
The Ministry of Agriculture is committed to supporting KEPHIS in implementing action points and strategies to enhance Kenya’s phytosanitary capacity. Marangu thanked the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for their support in various programs, including managing fall army worm and locusts.
Prof. Theophilus Mutui, Managing Director of KEPHIS, explained that the PCE aims to strengthen National Plant Protection Organizations by addressing critical gaps. With the support of IPPC, an action plan was developed to improve Kenya’s phytosanitary systems, crucial for ensuring compliance with international market requirements. Mutui noted that the process would lead to adherence to best international practices and national compliance with IPPC conventions.
A significant gap identified in the PCE is the legal regulatory framework. The cabinet approved the national phytosanitary policy, and a draft plant protection bill has been developed, focusing on preventing the introduction of foreign pests and diseases and enhancing disease surveillance.
Three PCE missions were conducted in Kenya between June and November 2023, engaging stakeholders to identify weaknesses in the phytosanitary system and suggest solutions. The assessment covered 13 modules, identifying key outputs to strengthen the system for protecting plant health and biodiversity, enhancing safe trade, income, and contributing to food security.
Stanley Kimere, FAO Program Associate, emphasized the importance of phytosanitary capacity evaluation in addressing food safety at the country level. Strengthening phytosanitary capacity is essential for mitigating pest spread and promoting food safety, integral to food security.
The phytosanitary capacity evaluation, funded by the European Union, follows a partial evaluation conducted in 2018. Kenya, renowned for exporting horticultural products, currently accesses avocado markets in China, India, Malaysia, and is a leading exporter of cut flowers to the European Union.