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Kenya is taking strides to bolster its food safety regulations in response to recent food safety crises and increasing public demand for safer products.
The government's draft Food and Feed Safety Control Coordination Bill, currently under consideration by the National Assembly, aims to establish a comprehensive framework for regulatory control that fosters collaboration among government agencies and the industry. The legislation seeks to create a transparent and inclusive environment for food safety regulation, ensuring that all stakeholders are involved in the process. State Department for Agriculture Principal Secretary Kiprono Rono emphasizes the importance of a robust food safety system to protect the food supply from contamination at every stage of production. The Food and Agriculture Export Alliance (FAEA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) have been instrumental in supporting Kenya's efforts to strengthen food safety regulations.
The USDA has invested over Sh64.5 million to assist the Kenyan government in drafting a comprehensive food and feed safety policy and Bill. The anticipated passage of this legislation will establish a transparent regulatory framework that ensures the safety and quality of food and feed products. Gina Tumbarello, Executive Director of FAEA, highlights the shared goal of ensuring that regulations are practical, promote public health, and support the growth of the Kenyan industry both domestically and internationally. Damian Ferrese, Acting Regional Agricultural Counselor for the USDA at the US Embassy in Nairobi, emphasizes the importance of the proposed legislation as a crucial step in improving food security and economic prosperity for the Kenyan people.
Dr Rono acknowledges that existing laws have not been aligned with modern food safety requirements, leading to inefficiencies and food-related hazards. To address these challenges, the government is modernizing its food safety system to make it more science- and risk-based. This initiative involves reviewing and aligning food and feed safety policies and legislation with international best practices while considering local conditions. The USDA, in collaboration with the Ministries of Agriculture and Health, is working closely with local stakeholders to draft a new food safety policy and Bill. This collaborative approach ensures that the policies are comprehensive, practical, and implementable within the Kenyan context. A recent workshop held in Nairobi brought together various stakeholders from the food industry, government agencies, and international partners to discuss the gaps in the current food safety system and develop strategies to address them.
Participants emphasized the need for continuous capacity building for Food Business Operators (FBOs) to ensure they are equipped to handle food safety risks. One of the key outcomes of the workshop was the development of a roadmap for industry capacity building in food safety. This roadmap outlines the steps necessary to enhance the capacity of FBOs, including training programs, awareness campaigns, and the establishment of food safety management systems. The roadmap also highlights the importance of collaboration between the government and the private sector in achieving food safety goals. The proposed legislation also aims to enhance the traceability of food products throughout the supply chain.
This will involve implementing robust tracking systems that can trace food products from the farm to the table. Such systems are essential for quickly identifying and addressing food safety issues, thereby minimizing the risk of foodborne illnesses. In addition to improving domestic food safety, the new regulations are expected to boost Kenya's export market. By aligning with international food safety standards, Kenyan food products will be more competitive in the global market. This is particularly important for Kenya's agricultural sector which is a significant contributor to the country's economy.
The USDA's support for this initiative highlights the importance of international cooperation in addressing food safety challenges. By working together, countries can share best practices, resources, and expertise to enhance food safety globally. The collaboration between Kenya and the USDA is a testament to the shared commitment to ensuring the safety and quality of food products.