Nairobi — Experts are meeting in Nairobi to discuss ways to improve food and feed safety in Kenya.
The three-day workshop, which started today, is co-hosted by the Food and Agriculture Export Alliance (FAEA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
It aims to strengthen the capacity of Food Business Operators (FBOs) in the country to be able to address food safety risks ahead of the implementation of the Food & Feed Safety Control Co-ordination Bill 2023, currently in the Senate for debate after being passed by the National Assembly.
The Kenyan food safety system still needs modernization to make it more science- and risk-based, as well as functional.
Already, the USDA, directly and through one of its implementing partners, the FAEA, invested over Sh64.5 million in supporting the Kenyan Government in drafting a new food and feed safety policy and bill.
The eventual passage of the bill will create a legal and transparent framework for developing a regulatory system that will serve FBOs and consumers alike to ensure safe and quality food and feed products for the nation.
"The capacity of FBOs to meet the regulatory requirements and modernize their own food safety programs to align with international best practices is highly variable," Paul Ronoh, Principal Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, said.
"While large corporations with export markets have implemented modern food safety programs, small and medium FBOs are lagging."
Recent food and feed safety crises in Kenya have sparked public demand for safer products, leading the government to draft the Food and Feed Safety Control Coordination Bill, 2023.
This pending law aims to establish a clear framework for regulatory control that fosters cooperation between state and national government agencies and industry while ensuring inclusivity and transparency.
The legislation is expected to enhance public health, expand global market access, and contribute to economic growth.
"This week, we are privileged to co-host this workshop with USDA and are here because we remain dedicated to supporting industry stakeholders in Kenya, ensuring they are well-prepared to contribute their knowledge and experience during consultations with the Government of Kenya," Gina Tumbarello, FAEA Executive Director, stated.
"Our shared goal is to ensure that current and future regulations provide optimal public health protection, are practical for implementation, and promote the growth of Kenyan industry both domestically and in export markets."
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Ultimately, the workshop hopes to develop a roadmap to prioritize capacity training needs for the private sector with intent to develop curriculum in conjunction with a local university, who would then host future training for the private sector, strengthening the capacity of the private sector to be able to confidently address Kenya's food safety risks in their processes going forward.
"The enactment of a food and feed safety policy and legislation is part of a longer journey and we as USDA will continue to support programs that improve food security and the economic prosperity of Kenyan people. It is my hope that this workshop represents just the next step in achieving all of these goals," Damian Ferrese, Ag. Regional Agricultural Counselor, USDA/Foreign Agricultural Service, U.S. Embassy Nairobi, added.
