Kenya Undergoes European Union DG SANTE Audit on Official Controls of Pesticide Residues in Food Exports
Kenya is currently undergoing an audit by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE) on the official controls governing pesticide residues in food of plant origin intended for export to the European Union.
The audit, which commenced on Monday 15th June 2026, brings together key Kenyan competent authorities responsible for food safety and export certification, including the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB), the Horticultural Crops Directorate (HCD-AFA), the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, and the Ministry of Health.
Representatives from the European Union Delegation to Kenya and the Embassy of Kenya in Brussels also participated in the opening session.
The audit aims to assess the effectiveness of Kenya's official control systems in ensuring compliance with European Union requirements for pesticide residues limits on food exports. It focuses on the legislative framework, coordination among competent authorities, implementation of monitoring programmes, laboratory testing capabilities, traceability systems, enforcement measures, training programmes and engagement with food business operators.
Speaking during the official opening session on behalf of the Government of Kenya, the Managing Director of KEPHIS emphasized Kenya's commitment to maintaining robust food safety systems and strengthening collaboration among all competent authorities involved in export certification and official controls. The audit was officially opened following remarks from representatives of the relevant competent authorities.
The audit also provides an opportunity for Kenya to showcase progress made in strengthening its food safety control systems, including enhanced pesticide registration system, enhanced pesticide residue monitoring, improved laboratory capacity, internationally accredited testing services, enhanced pesticide risk assessment, promotion of Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) among growers and stronger coordination mechanisms among regulatory agencies and industry stakeholders.
Kenya values the European Union as a key trading partner and remains committed to ensuring that agricultural exports meet the highest standards of food safety, quality, and consumer protection. The findings and recommendations from the audit will contribute to the continuous improvement of Kenya's official control systems, promote food safety and support sustained market access for Kenyan horticultural produce in the European Union market.
The audit which concludes on Tuesday 23rd June 2026, is being conducted virtually and includes engagements with competent authorities, accredited laboratories, growers, exporters, and industry associations involved in the horticultural export value chain.
