KEPHIS boosts pest surveillance with advanced technology training
The Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) started a five-day training on 17th August 2026 to strengthen the capacity of its inspectors in the use of advanced technologies for plant pest surveillance.
The training, supported by TradeMark Africa (TMA), is being held at Pride Inn Azure, Westlands, Nairobi, and runs from 17th to 21st August 2026.
The programme brings together KEPHIS inspectors for practical training on modern technologies designed to improve the detection, monitoring and management of plant pests.
The training was officially opened by Dr. Isaac Macharia, Director of Phytosanitary and Biosecurity at KEPHIS, who emphasized the importance of strengthening technical capacity to respond to evolving plant health threats.
Strengthening early detection
Plant pests remain a major threat to agricultural productivity, food security and international trade. Early detection of emerging and invasive pests is therefore essential in preventing their spread and minimizing losses.
Through the training, KEPHIS inspectors are gaining practical knowledge and skills to apply advanced surveillance technologies in the field.
The technologies are expected to improve the speed, accuracy and efficiency of pest detection while strengthening the quality and timeliness of surveillance data.
Better data will also enable faster decision-making and response when new or invasive pests are identified.
Improving field efficiency
For KEPHIS inspectors working across different regions, modern surveillance technologies can improve field efficiency, accuracy and coverage.
The adoption of these tools will enable inspectors to monitor plant health threats more effectively and identify potential risks before they develop into larger outbreaks.
This is particularly important for Kenya’s agricultural sector, which relies heavily on healthy crops for both domestic food production and international trade.
Safeguarding Kenya’s agricultural exports
Kenya’s horticultural industry is an important contributor to the country’s economy, with flowers, fruits and vegetables exported to markets around the world.
Maintaining strong phytosanitary systems is essential for protecting these markets, as importing countries require agricultural products to meet strict plant health standards.
Effective pest surveillance can help KEPHIS identify threats early, prevent the establishment and spread of invasive pests, and protect the quality and safety of Kenya’s agricultural products.
The strengthened capacity of inspectors will therefore benefit farmers, exporters, traders and other stakeholders across the agricultural value chain.
Building a technology-driven plant health system
The training is part of KEPHIS’s broader efforts to continuously build technical capacity and adopt innovative technologies in plant health management.
As agricultural pests evolve and new threats emerge, modern surveillance systems are increasingly important in ensuring that Kenya remains prepared to respond.
Through continued capacity building and collaboration with partners such as TradeMark Africa, KEPHIS is strengthening its ability to deliver efficient and timely plant health services.
The five-day training, which began on 17th August and concludes on 21st August 2026, is expected to equip inspectors with practical skills that will enhance Kenya’s plant pest surveillance and contribute to protecting agricultural production, food security and access to local and international markets.
