National
Government introduces new fees for importers and exporters of agricultural products
KEPHIS MD, Prof. Theophilus M. Mutui, and Chair, Hon. Joseph M'Eruaki at the launch of the Integrated Export and Import Certification System (IEICS). Photo: X/KEPHISKe
By Maureen Kinyanjui |
Under the revised directive from KEPHIS, fresh produce exporters must obtain a phytosanitary certificate and undergo inspection before exporting their products.
The government has announced the implementation of new fees for phytosanitary services starting July 2024.
Phytosanitary services encompass various measures aimed at controlling plant diseases in crops.
Keep reading
- Taita Taveta County launches grassroots committees for agricultural development
- Treasury CS unveils Sh54.6 billion plan for agricultural transformation
- Win for coffee farmers as Cabinet approves Sh6.8bn debt write-off
- Ethiopia poised for 7.9 per cent economic growth amid agricultural, industrial gains
In a notice, the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) said the new fees will apply to all importers and exporters of agricultural produce and products within Kenya.
"Pursuant to the provisions CAP 324 (Legal Notice No. 48 of 2009, Part B), notice is hereby given that with effect from July 15, 2024, the following fees are applicable," reads the notice in part.
Under the revised directive from KEPHIS, fresh produce exporters must obtain a phytosanitary certificate and undergo inspection before exporting their products.
This service will cost 50 cents per kilogramme, with a minimum charge of Sh100.
Also, traders will need to pay an additional Sh500 per phytosanitary certificate.
For imported agricultural produce, KEPHIS mandates a plant import permit and inspection certificate and as a result, entrepreneurs will incur charges of 50 cents per kilogramme, along with an extra Sh600 for each plant permit.
Traders importing or exporting agricultural produce will need to pay Sh10,000 before their shipment undergoes inspection.
For larger vessels, a Sh5,000 fee will be applied for physical testing, while smaller vessels like dhows and canoes will incur a Sh1,000 charge.
Inspecting a 40-foot container will cost Sh1,000 per inspection, and Sh500 for a 20-foot container. Determining moisture content per sample will cost Sh1,000.
For traders transporting agricultural produce by air, inspection fees are Sh3,000 for large aircraft and Sh1,500 for small aircraft.
"Sample of minor consignment for quality examination per consignment will be Sh5,000," reads the notice in part.
KEPHIS is a State Corporation established under the KEPHIS Act of 2012 to carry out the Plant Protection Act CAP 324.
Reader comments
Most Read Stories This Week
Recent Stories
Cabinet finally approves Kenya-UAE trade pact
Thursday, July 4, 2024
CS Kuria asks Public Service Commission to suspend recruitment
Thursday, July 4, 2024
Relief for 500 households in Isiolo as two boreholes are rehabilitated
Thursday, July 4, 2024
Breakthrough in HIV prevention anew PrEP injection offers complete protection for young women
Thursday, July 4, 2024
Turkana, Pokot peace committees advocate traditional compensation to end Bandit attacks
Thursday, July 4, 2024
Kinna, Merti residents want Mathenge eradication included in Isiolo spatial plan
Thursday, July 4, 2024
Shujaa hope to make history at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games
Thursday, July 4, 2024
Kenyan activists rethink strategy after protests turn violent
Thursday, July 4, 2024
Kenya’s trade deficit up by Sh20.7 billion on costly imports
Thursday, July 4, 2024
Energy regulator seizes 26,000 gas cylinders on illegal trade crackdown
Thursday, July 4, 2024
Nairobi handicraft industry struggles with low sales post-demolitions
Thursday, July 4, 2024
Domestic earnings up by 19.5%, surge attributed to increase in tea, horticultural exports
Thursday, July 4, 2024
President William Ruto spoke to IMF chief after pulling tax hikes, sources say
Thursday, July 4, 2024
Ethiopia Prime Minister calls for dialogue with Somalia over controversial port deal
Thursday, July 4, 2024
AFCONQ2025: Harambee Stars pooled in Group J alongside Cameroon, Namibia and Zimbabwe
Thursday, July 4, 2024
Human rights activists pile pressure on Ruto over police excesses in quelling protests
Thursday, July 4, 2024
Why Nairobi will not come up with new Finance Bill -Sakaja
Thursday, July 4, 2024
Cabinet approves actions against officers involved in extra-judicial activities during protests
Thursday, July 4, 2024
Education Ministry introduces new system to streamline data access, policy-making
Thursday, July 4, 2024