September 2011 - November 2011

ISO 9001:2008 Certified

A Publication of the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS)

From the Managing Director
t is with great pleasure that we launch The Planter, the official Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) quarterly news and events newsletter whose main aim will be to inform, educate and enlighten our stakeholders about the mandate of the organization through the various events and activities that occur regularly in the organization. KEPHIS has the mandate of protecting Kenyas agriculture from pests, diseases and contaminants that could negatively impact on productivity, human health and the environment. All our events and activities are all geared towards achieving our goal and mandate and these will be highlighted in the newsletter. We hope that as a result our stakeholders will better understand and engage with us. Communication is key to any organization; it is the way in which our stakeholders know and understand what we do as an organization. It is therefore our hope that this newsletter

will be a forum for interaction, engagement, sharing of opinions and feedback that will shape the perceptions of the Kenyan public and our stakeholders about what we do as an organization. Ultimately, our aim as KEPHIS is to serve you better. This newsletter will enhance dissemination of information to our stakeholders in order to make them informed and better understand our mandate so that they can benefit from our services to enhance productivity, trade and protection of Kenyas agriculture. We value your feedback and so we encourage you, our stakeholders to get in touch with us through this newsletter as we forge ahead to ensure that food sufficiency and enhanced trade is a reality for every Kenyan. TP

James M. Onsando, Ph.D Managing Director

DECISIVE MOMENT AS NATIONAL SEED POLICY IS LAUNCHED

NAIROBI - The National Seed Policy was launched at KEPHIS headquarters on July 19th, 2011, with keynote speakers urging scientists to educate the Kenyan public on the benefits of biotechnology. Speaking when he also made public New Plant Varieties into the Kenyan market, Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Hon. Gideon Ndambuki also urged scientists and players in the agricultural sector to embrace regional integration that is fast becoming a reality even in the Agricultural sector. The government, he said, was prioritizing the production of seed through irrigation so that availability is not compromised by unreliable weather patterns like has been experienced in recent years. Agriculture Assistant Minister Gideon Ndambuki when he officially launched the National Seed Policy. He is flanked by Dr. Kiome (left) and Dr. Onsando (right)
Protecting Kenyas Agriculture

The National Seed Policy is intended to guide the agriculture industry in the production, distribution and utilization of high quality seed for improved productivity. It will also provide guidelines on the regulation of the seed industry and will form a basis for review of Acts that direct seed trade in Kenya. Stakeholders in the seed industry present

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at the function included Kenya Seed Company, Western Seed, Pioneer and the Seed Trade Association of Kenya (STAK). Dr. Romano Kiome, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Agriculture acknowledged the role of seed stakeholders in the development of the Policy and noted how up to 1997 only Kenya Seed Company could produce seed in Kenya. Currently there are 85 registered seed companies in the country. The liberalization of the Kenyan economy had therefore necessitated the development of the Policy to keep pace with the current economic pace. Dr. Kiome also called for collaboration between the government and the private sector to enhance seed availability to farmers. We urge all stakeholders to work with the government so that farmers have adequate seed to promote agricultural production and security in the country, he stated. Dr. Wilson Songa, the Agriculture Secretary noted that the Policy will address the problem of insufficient certified material and adulterated seed in the market. This policy means that KEPHIS now has teeth to do its crucial work, he said. The policy will also provide a mechanism for harmonizing regional seed policies and regulations to enhance cross border trade in seed. KEPHIS Managing Director, Dr. James Onsando noted that the policy provides authorization of private entities to undertake some of the seed quality control activities that KEPHIS currently does but this will be done under KEPHIS supervision. The result is improved effectiveness and efficiency in the seed production chain. The policy will also allow Kenya accede to the Union of Protection of New Varieties of Plants(UPOV) 1991 convention which recognizes farmers rights to utilize protected varieties for subsistence use and continue facilitating Kenyas access to superior foreign plant germplasm especially in horticulture. Dr Onsando noted that the policy also strengthens KEPHIS to be vigilant and ensure that farmers are availed good quality seed and also to enforce truthful labeling of seed products. The 59 new plant varieties released were 27 varieties of maize, 7 varieties of rice, 6 varieties of sunflower, 4 varieties of sweet potatoes, 3 varieties each of cassava, irish potatoes and coffee and 2 varieties each of chick peas, kales and soya bean. TP

Credits
The Planter is published
quarterly by the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) Head Office Oloolua Ridge, Karen PO Box 49592-00100 Nairobi Telephone: +254 20 3597201/2/3/ 3536171/2 Cell: 0722 516221 | 0723 786779 | 0733874274 | 0734874141 Fax: +254 20 3536175 Email: director@kephis.org communications@kephis.org www.kephis.org Managing Director James M. Onsando, Ph.D Editorial Catherine Muraguri Contributors James Wahome Nassir O. Rajab Philip Njoroge Joseph Kigamwa Alfayo Ombuya Daniel Mureithi Ephraim Wachira Thomas Kimeli Kosiom Design and Production Ramco Printing Works LTD Unit 1, Dunga Close, Industrial Area NAIROBI

Dr. Romano Kiome, PS Ministry of Agriculture (Left), Hon. Gideon Ndam Minister for Agriculture, buki Assistant Dr. James Onsando, MD KE PHIS and Dr. Wilson Song Secretary display the new a, Agriculture ly launched National See d Policy

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SANITARY AND PHYTOSANITARY STANDARDS: A GREAT LEAP FORWARD

By Philip Njoroge, Head - Trade and Standards

EPHIS, in partnership with the Ministry of Trade, the Directorate of Veterinary Services and the Department of Fisheries on behalf of the East African Community secretariat and inter-African Union Bureau for Animal resources (AUIBAR), organized a three day key Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standards (SPS) workshop at KEPHIS headquarters whose theme was Creating awareness on the importance of adhering to international SPS standards to realize the trade of agricultural produce from Kenya to the Rest of the world. The workshop was held against the backdrop that African countries are not active participants in standards setting due to their lack of skills and understanding. This has led to the term standards takers applied to African countries and organizations. Hence the participants were advised to address existing weaknesses and strengthen existing strong systems as the way forward. KEPHIS General Manager, Support Operations, Mr. Stephen Ithili, who opened the workshop on behalf of the KEPHIS Managing Director, Dr. James Onsando, emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships. Collaboration between public and private sectors is the only way to achieve overall objectives, he said. Kenya will go far if the agreement application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (WTO-SPS Agreement) negotiated under the World Trade Organization (WTO) is understood and implemented. Application of international standards at local level has enabled Kenyas horticulture sub-sector benefit from the European Union(EU) market. Mr. Ithili pointed out that the upcoming EU funded laboratory at KEPHIS would go a long way in assisting the country adhere to the international markets, especially the principal market of the EU. He noted however, that the laboratory, once complete, will serve East and Central Africa and will compliment other efforts such as the Centre for Phytosanitary Excellence (COPE) which is administered by KEPHIS. Those who attended the workshop included representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of East Africa Community, UNIDO, NEMA, the Ministry of Fisheries, Kenya Flower Council, Nakumatt Holdings Limited, Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, University of Nairobi and the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS).

Key recommendations: o National systems should be improved and strengthened to ensure the countrys experts play their rightful role in influencing the standards being developed at regional and the global arena. o The participants further underscored the importance of harmonized standards within the East African Community (EAC). Moreover, all efforts should be taken to finalize the SPS protocol for EAC that will guide the harmonization process. o The participants of the workshop strongly recommended sharing of experiences with other countries that have strong Sanitary & Phytosanitary committees. This can be achieved through mentoring programs or twinning arrangements. The workshop noted that countries with strong SPS systems are able to influence International Standards. o For Kenya to influence the international standard setting process, the participants recommended strengthening of the national SPS committee by establishing a Plant health sub-committee, Animal health sub-committee and Food safety sub-committee. The three sub-committees should report to the National SPS-Committee that has the mandate of submitting national positions to the WTO-SPS Committee that normally meets thrice a year at WTO-Headquarters, Geneva, Switzerland o Participants felt further trainings and greater private sector participation in standard setting processes is required. TP
Perfecting the art of negotiation: participants at the SPS workshop

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KEPHIS NAIVASHA: BRINGING OUR SERVICES CLOSER TO THE PEOPLE

aivasha is commonly referred to as the flower hub of Kenya. The town is the home of Lake Naivasha, a fresh water lake, which besides being a tourist attraction is the cornerstone behind the flourishing horticulture industry in the town. It is estimated that 50% of all horticultural exports in Kenya originate from Naivasha. There are about eighty farms in this town, majority grow cut flowers while the rest are nurseries, breeder facilities and vegetable growers. One of the challenges facing these farmers is compliance to the strict and dynamic export requirements. This essentially means that flower exports have to comply with phytosanitary and quality standards before they can gain entry into the importing country and secure shelf space at consumer outlets. It is from this background that KEPHIS opened an office in April 2008 to work with producers of horticultural produce to assist them towards meeting these requirements.

By Alfayo Ombuya and Daniel Mureithi

To achieve the above, KEPHIS Naivasha office offers the following services: Inspecting nursery facilities in line with various market requirements. Inspection and approval of provisional plant quarantine facilities situated in Naivasha. Inspecting fresh produce such as cut flowers and vegetables before export. Auditing crop protection and quality controls system. Issuance of phytosanitary certificates and plant import permits . Building capacity for stakeholders through forums such as shows and field days. The office also conducts seed post certification surveys and approval of new seed sellers premises across the larger Naivasha, Nyandarua districts and some sections of Narok district.

The office is working on a growth strategy aimed at offloading work done at the JKIA inspection unit. In the long run, it is aimed that all farms (especially exporters) and clients around Lake Naivasha will finalize the necessary logistics at the office before shipping. The office is located at Naivasha town, Maryland complex, along Mbaria Kaniu road opposite the Naivasha open air market. TP

An inspector sensitizing the public during a mini field day.

KEPHIS Trains Pasture Seed Growers at Marigat

As rainfall becomes more unreliable and unpredictable, KEPHIS Nakuru is engaging farmers on the availability of Arid Pasture Varieties to improve on their livelihoods. Ephraim Wachira, a KEPHIS inspector in Nakuru reports. EPHIS Nakuru recently organized the Pasture Seed Growers Training whose aim was to enlighten farmers on the availability of arid pasture varieties and the possibility of producing certified seeds out of these varieties. The expected result is higher quality pasture for cattle in the Arid and Semi Arid Lands. Eighty-two farmers attended-67 male and 15 women-from Kampi Samaki, Salabani, Loboi, Kapkuikui, Kampi Kulima, Mtoisori, Eldume

and Marigat. Stakeholders included the ministries of Livestock and Agriculture, the National Irrigation Board, KARI Perkerra and a local NGO Rehabilitation of Arid Environments Trust (RAE) which has been involved in improving livestock production in the area for over 20 years. Areas such as Marigat are classified as rangelands, characterized by long dry seasons of between 7-9 months, and are home to the poorest segment of populations who are often marginalized from mainstream economic activities.
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Farmers were advised on pasture varieties that thrive in the harsh ASAL areas: Cenchrus ciliaris, Enteropogon macrostachus, Elagrostis superb, Cympogon spp. and Themenda triandra. KARI advised they are working on the varieties to gauge their potential as pasture grasses. The Ministry of Livestock confirmed that in conjunction with RAE Trust they had introduced Cenchrus cirialis to livestock farmers in the area. RAEs Robert OMurray said that his NGO has recruited over 700 informal seed growers for the variety. He stressed that there is already a high demand for ASAL pasture varieties seeds in all ASAL areas in the country and beyond.

However, unregulated trade of seed varieties will jeopardize the quality of seed. I request KEPHIS to step in and firmly control the trade, he emphasized. Mr. Jacob Cheptaiwa, the Regional Manager KEPHIS Nakuru confirmed that the organization is already testing one of the varieties for official release upon which KEPHIS will be able to fully regulate the growth, processing and marketing of the varieties. KEPHIS inspectors at the forum adviced farmers on the benefits of using certified seeds for the establishment of pasture fields. They also explained the process of pasture seed certification and the

related costs. TP

Areas such as Marigat are classified as rangelands, characterized by long dry seasons of between 7-9 months, and are home to the poorest segment of populations who are often marginalized from mainstream economic activities.

KEPHIS MOMBASA: THE HISTORY OF INSPECTIONS AT KILINDINI PORT

Mombasa, Kenyas 2nd largest city boasts of the Kilindini Harbour, a key entry and exit point and focal area for inspection of plants and plant materials. KEPHIS inspector, Thomas Kimeli Kosiom gives a brief genesis of inspection operations at the harbour from colonial times till today. Kilindini Harbour, a large, natural deep-water inlet extending inland from Mombasa is the entry point for Kenyas second largest city, with a hinterland extending to Uganda and Sudan. Kilindini, Swahili for deep is so called because the channel is naturally very deep, the result of a natural geographic phenomenon formed millions of years ago when the sea level rose and included butter, meat, fruits, vegetables, fish, eggs and poultry which attracted charges paid to the Chief Grader and Inspector. They also had the right to inspect and refuse entry of produce into the Cool Stores if such were likely to damage or contaminate other produce as well as destroying, selling or disposing of it without reference to the owner or agent. In 1936 the Chief Grader was further mandated by law to give priority to wheat and maize over beans as the Bean Beetle was a threat to the export market. The Chief Grader further was responsible for collection of charges on behalf of Kenya Uganda Railways in regard to haulage and handling of agricultural produce. Later, the responsibilities of the Chief Grader and Inspector became more specific to plants and plant products and ship inspection. When KEPHIS was established in 1997, mandated with the inspection of plants and plant products, KEPHIS Mombasa became one of the regions in the organization. In 1998, KEPHIS took over the inspection of imports and exports headed by a Regional Manager. Since the inception of KEPHIS up to the 10th anniversary, imports were monitored through a One Stop Centre of the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), Kilindini where all stakeholders were stationed. However, due to the move to decongest the work load at KPA Kilindini several Container Freight Stations (CFSs) were allowed to clear the imports. This became more complex for the regions inadequate technical capacity to man all the CFSs. The region has continued to adapt

engulfed a river that was flowing from the mainland. Inspection of agricultural produce dates back to colonial times when the Chief Grader and Inspector were charged with grading and inspecting agricultural exports and imports under the Department of Agriculture, Kilindini. The Chief Grader and Inspector were responsible for overseeing the use of Cool Stores, premises for storing agricultural and animal products prior to export. These
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to these changes to offer the best services to clients and protect Kenyas agriculture through monitoring, sensitization and training of stakeholders. Inspecting produce in a ship is exciting and risky. A ship can carry more than 45,000 metric tonnes of bulk cereals! Imagine this object with all its contents just floating on water! A bulk cargo ship is divided into compartments called hatches, numbering from three to seven depending on the size of the ship. Each hatch carries a portion of the bulk cereal. Inspection of the produce requires taking great care in terms of health

and safety. Extra care should also be observed when climbing down the ladder, crossing moving parts and observing warning signs. When cargo is partially full, a sampler uses a manhole - an opening to access the lower part of the hatch - to climb down and take samples. Upon satisfactory document verification of bulk imports, all produce is checked for pests, fitness for human consumption if its food imports, and samples are taken for moisture tests and aflatoxin tests for all cereals. Other tests may be carried out depending on the level of risk. TP

A KEPHIS inspector and sampler carrying out produce inspection in a ship at Berth No. 3, Kilindini Port, Mombasa.

KEPHIS OPENS AN OFFICE AT BURA, TANA RIVER COUNTY

EPHIS has opened a new office in Bura to provide inspection services to farmers growing seeds in both Bura and Hola Irrigation Schemes. Over 500 hectares are under seed production in both schemes. The Kenya Government has a new policy of intensifying farming under irrigation and in line with this, the KEPHIS management decided to open a satellite office to oversee inspection services. It is expected that more acreage will come under irrigation. Previously, inspection work was undertaken from the Mombasa regional office, located 300 kilometres away from the two schemes. This often led to delays and affected services to farmers. The decision to open an office was well received with managers in both schemes praising the move and concurring that it was long overdue. Seed crops currently being grown include maize, cowpeas and cotton with more varieties expected in the future. The official opening will be communicated at a later date. By James Wahome Regional Manager, Mombasa
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Quality Assurance: Your role in planning, monitoring and measurement

uality Assurance issues date back to the early 1920s. These have evolved through the various frameworks of quality management, from inspection processes to Total Quality Management including applications such as 6 Sigma, Kaizen and various Quality Management System (QMS) applications as is currently.

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By Nassir O. Rajab Co-ordinator Monitoring and Evaluation

Timelines Achievement Monitoring Tool. However any successful implementation of the QMS and its inherent tools of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation require a holistic approach; every staff member should realise that they not only have a role in implementing their traditional core duties, they also have a role in planning, monitoring and measurement of the organisations activities. Attitude depends on the goodwill that we are ready to afford this system- are we willing to take time to learn more and understand what QMS is all about? This is because a better informed staff member will find it easier to inculcate system requirements in daily work processes, thereby participating more comfortably in shaping and refining the system through constructive ideas. A poorly informed group will find it difficult to embrace quality management systems and the inherent tools that touch on planning, monitoring, and measurement, leading to frustration and complaints. Attitude also depends on whether you know your role in moving the various systems forward. It has been said that a chain is as strong as its weakest link. For example do you easily provide your monthly performance data to your departmental Monitoring and Evaluation Officer for timely compilation? Are you aware of the Standard Operating Procedures required in your section? Do you use them? Are you aware that we have a new work plan in the new financial year? What is your role in implementing activities in the new work plan? Attitude also depends on your ability to influence positive energy in terms of implementation of the various tools amongst colleagues. It is important that we point out mistakes whenever they occur and pre-empt any other likely mishaps. The ISO 9001:2008 QMS gives us an opportunity to point out issues in a systematic way. For example, when was the last time you filled in a Preventive Action Form or a Document Change Application Form? The era of accountability is here-to stay. Tools including the ISO standards, inculcating performance management measures will continue to play a core role in our jobs. The challenge is how best to embrace them and make them help us to make work easier. TP

Since 2003 Performance Management has become the buzz word in the Kenyan Government. Institutions and individual employees are being tasked to account for their time and resources. It is not just enough to attain results. It is now imperative that we are able to show that we attained the results in the most efficient manner and can consistently attain either similar or better results in a sustained fashion. KEPHIS has been at the forefront in implementing a number of initiatives aimed at ensuring efficient use of resources and customer satisfaction. The result has been meeting the institutions performance contracting obligations. The ISO 9001:2008 QMS is an example of a system designed to inculcate a systematic approach to achieving results through identification of key processes and making them work in harmony as a system. Within the system are performance management tools including the Performance Contracting System, the KEPHIS Work Plan Monitoring and Evaluation Tool, the Customer Satisfaction and Complaints Tool and the Service Charter
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KEPHIS CSR: Service to our communities

Kisumu As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), KEPHIS donated Sh. 100,000 worth of tools and equipment to the Joyland School of the Physically Handicapped in Kisumu. The equipment will benefit the tailoring and cookery workshops where students are taught subjects to make them self reliant on completion of their studies. KEPHIS General Manager, Support Operations, Mr. Stephen Ithili, who represented the Managing Director, Dr. James Onsando, emphasized the governments position that state corporations allocate some of their funds to CSR. He added that education is one of the cornerstones of building a country and children build a country. The event was graced by the District Officer in charge of Kisumu East District, Ms. Lilian Kitubo who represented Mr. Mokaya Mabeya, the Senior District Commissioner of the district. She stressed the importance of those with disabilities visiting government offices to find out how government can assist them. People with disabilities get cash transfers, grants and you will also benefit from government support if you form groups, she emphasized. TP

Gertrude and Irene, students at the school were some of the beneficiaries of the tools and equipment from KEPHIS.

Mr. Stephen Ithili, GM Support Operations at KEPHIS, (2nd Left), Ms Lilian Kitubo, (3rd Left) District Officer, Kisumu East District and Mr. Francis Furaha, Officer in Charge KEPHIS Kisumu, (4th Left) donate tools and equipment to Joyland School for the Physically Handicapped. They are surrounded by students of the school.

Sewing machines, sufurias, knives and blenders were some of the equipment donated to the school.

he inaugural Centre for Phytosanitary Excellence (COPE) courses started on 4th July 2011 at KEPHIS Headquarters, with students being urged to strengthen the agricultural sector through practical application of the subjects taught. The two week course on application of phytosanitary measures, the first in a series to be taught during the year, aimed to build capacity for plant pathologists, plant health inspectors, agriculture consultants, agricultural science experts and agricultural science graduates. The students were drawn from the Horticultural Crops Development Authority, Moi University, KEL Horticultural Exporters, Anirack Limited and KEPHIS. The courses dwelt on Relevant International Treaties, Standard Setting Procedures, Phytosanitary Systems Evaluation (PCE) for Implementation of Selected Standards, Import Regulations, PRA & PRA tools, Non-compliance and Market Access, Private Standards, International and Regional

COPE LAUNCHES PHYTOSANITARY COURSES

By Joseph Kigamwa

Support for Phytosanitary Capacity Building, Bio-security and Invasive Alien Species and Important Phytosanitary/ Trade Issues in the region. Lecturers were drawn from KEPHIS, the University of Nairobi, UNIDO, and USAIDKHCP. The next course is scheduled from 5th to 30th September where COPE and USAID-COMPETE have partnered to ensure bottlenecks linked to phytosanitary and quarantine issues on regional trade are addressed through training on Capacity building on phytosanitary skills for increased regional trade. This course is designed for staff from the National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPOs), relevant Ministry of Agriculture, relevant National Bureau of Standard Bodies and relevant trade associations in Eastern Africa, resulting in effective internal certification of plant materials, export certification and import verification. Twenty five participants are expected to attend. TP
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