The KEPHIS Board tour continues as we engage stakeholders and strengthen partenerships accross the Country

As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional oversight and stakeholder engagement, the KEPHIS Board of Directors led by Chairman Hon. Joseph M’Eruaki and the management team led by the Managing Director Prof.Theophilus Mutui visited KEPHIS Eldoret office on 17th July 2025. The Board paid a courtesy call to the County Commissioner of Uasin Gishu County, underscoring the importance of inter-agency collaboration in enforcing plant health regulations at the county and national level.

The team held a staff engagement forum before visiting Equator Avocado Kenya Ltd – Parachichi Centre, a key player in avocado export. The farm produces and sells KEPHIS-certified avocado seedlings and works closely with farmers by offering training on disease identification, notably Phytophthora and good agricultural practices. Through this collaboration, KEPHIS continues to uphold international phytosanitary standards while enabling farmers to access regulated export markets.

On 18th July, the delegation proceeded to the Busia One Stop Border Post (OSBP), where they paid a courtesy call to the County Commissioner and later met with the Border Management Committee, clearing agents, and KEPHIS staff.

The OSBP plays a critical role in pest risk management and safe trade by enabling coordinated inspection and clearance of plant consignments. By facilitating joint operations with customs, port health, and other regulatory agencies, the OSBP enhances detection of quarantine pests, enforces phytosanitary requirements, and reduces clearance time,
ensuring only compliant, pest-free consignments enter or exit the country. These efforts are key in safeguarding Kenya’s agriculture, protecting biodiversity, and strengthening regional trade competitiveness.

#Planthealth#Stakeholdermanagement#seedcertification#safetrade#foodsevurity.