Kephis to inspect sea vessels and containers at Kenyan ports for pests to curb threats
Mutui warned that some pests, like the highly invasive Khapra beetle, have been introduced through containers.
The Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (Kephis) will begin inspecting sea vessels and containers starting Saturday, March 1, 2025, to prevent the introduction of pests and plant diseases into the country.
Kephis Managing Director Theophilus Mutui on Wednesday said the inspections align with Kenya's obligations under the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), where Kephis represents the country in the Commission for Phytosanitary Measures.
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"It was agreed that sea containers serve as pathways for pests and diseases. Therefore, they must be inspected and cleaned," Mutui said during a press briefing at the Bandari Maritime Academy.
The inspections will come at a cost, with vessels being charged Sh2,000 and containers Sh500.
Mutui warned that some pests, like the highly invasive Khapra beetle, have been introduced through containers.
The beetle, which originated in India, has spread globally through shipping, infesting over 100 commodities, including dried plant products.
To curb such threats, Kephis will conduct inspections before containers are loaded for export and before they are offloaded at Kenyan ports.
"When containers touch the ground during packing, they accumulate soil, which may harbour disease-causing organisms. If these containers move from one country to another without proper cleaning, they can spread pests and diseases," Mutui explained.
He noted that after a global conference in London in 2023, it was agreed that vessels and sea containers must be inspected and cleaned to remove dust, debris or residue that could carry harmful organisms.
The inspections will be mandatory at both the point of origin and upon arrival to ensure compliance with international trade standards.
However, the Kenya Ships Agents Association (KSAA) has raised concerns over the financial impact, arguing that the move could increase trade expenses and duplicate existing regulatory processes.
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