NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya is undergoing a crucial audit by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE) to assess the country’s official controls on pesticide residues in food exports destined for the European Union market.
The audit, which commenced on June 15, 2026, brings together key regulatory agencies responsible for food safety, export certification, and compliance within Kenya’s agricultural sector.
Among the institutions participating in the exercise are 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 attended the opening session.
EU Audit Focuses on Food Safety and Compliance
The DG SANTE audit seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of Kenya’s official control systems in ensuring compliance with European Union regulations on Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for pesticides in food of plant origin.
The assessment covers several critical areas, including:
- National legislative and regulatory frameworks governing pesticide residue controls.
- Coordination among competent authorities responsible for food safety oversight.
- Implementation of pesticide residue monitoring programmes.
- Laboratory testing and analytical capabilities.
- Product traceability systems across the export value chain.
- Enforcement and compliance mechanisms.
- Capacity-building and training programmes.
- Engagement with growers, exporters, and food business operators.
The outcome of the audit is expected to provide valuable insights into the strengths of Kenya’s food safety systems and identify areas for further improvement.
Kenya Highlights Progress in Strengthening Food Safety Systems
Speaking during the opening session on behalf of the Government of Kenya, the Managing Director of KEPHIS reaffirmed the country’s commitment to maintaining robust food safety systems and enhancing collaboration among agencies involved in export certification and regulatory oversight.
The audit presents an opportunity for Kenya to demonstrate the significant progress made in strengthening pesticide management and food safety controls across the horticultural sector.
Key improvements highlighted include:
- Enhanced pesticide registration and regulation systems.
- Expanded pesticide residue monitoring programmes.
- Improved laboratory infrastructure and testing capacity.
- Internationally accredited analytical services.
- Strengthened pesticide risk assessment processes.
- Promotion of Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) among growers.
- Improved coordination between regulators, exporters, and industry stakeholders.
These measures have been instrumental in supporting compliance with international food safety standards and maintaining confidence in Kenyan agricultural exports.
EU Remains a Key Market for Kenyan Horticulture
The European Union remains one of Kenya’s most important export destinations for fresh produce, including vegetables, fruits, flowers, and herbs.
Maintaining compliance with EU food safety requirements is critical for preserving market access and sustaining the country’s horticultural export earnings. The sector supports thousands of farmers, exporters, and workers across the agricultural value chain.
Industry stakeholders view the audit as an important exercise that will strengthen Kenya’s reputation as a reliable supplier of safe, high-quality agricultural products to international markets.
Findings Expected to Support Continuous Improvement
The Government of Kenya has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all agricultural exports meet the highest standards of food safety, quality assurance, and consumer protection.
Officials noted that recommendations arising from the DG SANTE audit will contribute to the continuous improvement of Kenya’s official control systems while supporting sustainable market access for horticultural exports.
The virtual audit is scheduled to conclude on June 23, 2026, and includes engagements with competent authorities, accredited laboratories, growers, exporters, and industry associations involved in Kenya’s horticultural export value chain.
As global food safety requirements continue to evolve, Kenya’s proactive engagement with international regulatory assessments underscores the country’s determination to remain competitive in premium export markets while safeguarding consumer health.