Reporting Officers: Martha Byanyima, SPS Expert

MISSION REPORT

Reporting officers: Martha Byanyima, SPS Expert

Brian Nsofu, SPS Assistant Coordinator

Ann Mugunga, Chief Editor

Dates of Mission: 18 – 20 June 2013

Venue: Nairobi, Kenya

Purpose:Technical Support Mission to Kenya

1. Background

A technical support mission for the horticulture and market access project was undertaken to Kenya from 18th to 20th June 2013. The project aims at eliminating Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) non-tariff barriers to the access of selected horticultural products into the Republic of South Africa (RSA) from COMESA countries. The project has initially begun with Kenya for prepared chillies, Ethiopia for Strawberries, Madagascar for litchis and Zimbabwe for stone fruits.

COMESA with support from TMSA contracted Phyto-Solutions, who are Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) Experts accredited to the NPPO of the RSA to diagnose underlying causes to the SPS problems and provide the necessary technical support to both the COMESA countries and the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) of the RSA.

1. Attendance of the Meeting/s

The meetings comprised of the following officials:

1. Dr. Esther Kimani – Phytosanitary Manager, Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Services (KEPHIS)
2. Mr. Phillip Njoroge – Head of Trade and Standards, KEPHIS
3. Mr. Abed Mathagu – Head of Biosafety and Phytosanitary Services, KEPHIS
4. Ms. Asenath Koech - Agricultural Inspector and PRA Expert, KEPHIS
5. Mr. Josiah Syanda – Inspector/Quality Assurance, KEPHIS
6. Ms. Judy Matheka – Technical Manager, Vegpro (K) Limited – Kenya
7. Ms. Marianna Theyse –TMSA Consultant, Phyto-Solutions – South Africa
8. Ms. Martha Byanyima - SPS Expert, COMESA Secretariat
9. Mr. Brian Nsofu - SPS Assistant Coordinator, COMESA Secretariat
10. Ms. Ann Mugunga – Chief Editor, COMESA Secretariat

1. Objectives of the Meeting

1. To follow up on project activities under implementation – progress with the pest information package and confirmation of the quarantine pest list.
2. To consult the horticulture exporters and mobilize further support for the project from the private sector.
3. Explore means of further publicizing SPS milestones as well as increase awareness of market linkages for industry regulators, importers and exporters.

1. Expected Output of the Meeting

1. Update on the progress and an agreed action plan towards the compilation & completion of the pest list and pest information package.
2. Total buy in from the private sector.
3. Identify events, functions, meetings and milestones that should be used as publicity avenues for COMESA SPS activities in Kenya in particular and the region in general.

1. Key Observations, Issues and Outcomes

Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Services (KEPHIS)

1. COMESA expressed concern at the slow progress on the part of Kenya in compiling the pest list and the pest information package for prepared chillies. But it was realized in meeting that what was communicated to KEPHIS was not clear.

1. The TMSA Consultant indicated that there was potential market for prepared chillies in RSA and that it is was easy to export prepared chillies due to low phytosanitary risks.

1. The Consultant advised KEPHIS to initially concentrate on prepared and sealed chillies so that the pest information questionnaire can be simple.

1. There was emphasis during the meeting to increase visibility so that governments know what COMESA is doing in assisting Member States. This can be done during signing of agreements, COMESA Business Council, joint business committee meetings or any other important events. KEPHIS was tasked with the responsibility of alerting COMESA on the functions, meetings and milestones that can be used to enhance the publicity of the programme.

Vegpro (K) Ltd

1. The COMESA Team had an opportunity to visit the Vegpro, a fresh vegetable and flower exporting company in Kenya. The Team also undertook a guided tour of the high care facility where sorting and packing of fresh vegetables is done.

1. A Vegpro representative indicated to the COMESA Team that all practices undertaken on farms and facilities were based on the Global-GAP certification systems, however, there were additional requirements that the company also implemented or adhered to before a product could be shipped or exported.

1. The Vegpro representative further informed the Team that Vegpro had 700 out-growers who were all Global-GAP compliant. The company employed between 3000 and 5000 people on both farms and pack houses, of which 90% were women. It exported between 200 and 300 tons of fresh vegetables and flowers per week to Europe and South Africa.

1. Results of the Meeting

1. KEPHIS will compile a pest list and pest information package for pre-packed andsealed chillies. KEPHIS will include any additional information regarding pest management measures under implementation at production level.

1. Vegpro will provide process flow and information on varieties to Phyto-Solutions to support the PRA Process.

1. Phyto-Solutions will proceed with the Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) in collaboration with Department of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries (DAFF) of RSA, and incorporate information provided pertaining to Vegpro facility and production sites/areas.

7.Action Plan and Way Forward

The following action plan and way forward was proposed during the meeting with KEPHIS

1. Compile pest list as per the pest information questionnaire and submit to DAFF

1. Proceed with PRA in collaboration with DAFF

1. Submit information pertaining to surveillance and production areas/sites to DAFF

1. Collaborate with DAFF towards drafting import protocol

1. Evaluate and provide inputs/confirmation of compliance to DAFF

1. Final import protocol ready

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