Overview
- Act: Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service Act, No. 10 of 2012.
- Formed: 1996
- CEO: Prof. Theophilus M. Mutui
- X (Twitter)
The Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Services (KEPHIS) was established in 1996 and later restructured under the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service Act, No. 10 of 2012. KEPHIS is responsible for regulating and monitoring plant health, ensuring that plant products, seeds, and horticultural exports meet national and international standards. The organization’s mandate includes pest and disease control, certification of plant materials, and safeguarding Kenya’s agricultural and horticultural sectors from plant health risks. KEPHIS also plays a critical role in protecting biodiversity and facilitating trade by ensuring compliance with international plant health regulations.
CEO: Prof. Theophilus M. Mutui
Prof. Theophilus M. Mutui is the Managing Director of the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Services (KEPHIS). He holds a Ph.D. in Horticultural Sciences from Leibniz University of Hannover, Germany. With over 25 years of experience, he has previously served as Acting Director of Technical Services at the National Biosafety Authority.
Board of Governors
Joseph M’eruaki M’uthari
Chairman
Jean Njiru
Director
Prof. Theophilus M. Mutui
Managing Director
Julius Mutua
Director
Sylvia Mulama Kamande
Director
Silas M. Kilingo
Director
James Wanjohi
Director
Prof. Albert Kimutai
Director
Samuel Manja
Director
CPA Hussein Adan Haji
Director
Roselyne Chepngeno Langat
Director
Functions
- Plant Health Monitoring – Monitors and regulates plant health to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.
- Certification of Plant Products – Certifies plant products, seeds, and seedlings for both local and international markets.
- Pest and Disease Control – Ensures effective pest and disease management to protect Kenya’s agriculture.
- Quality Assurance for Agricultural Exports – Ensures compliance with international plant health standards for exports.
- Inspection of Plant Materials – Conducts regular inspections of plant materials and plant products for quality assurance.
- Plant Protection Legislation Enforcement – Enforces plant protection laws and regulations to safeguard agriculture and biodiversity.
- Seed Certification and Testing – Certifies and tests seeds for quality, ensuring they meet national and international standards.
- Training and Extension Services – Provides capacity building for farmers and stakeholders on plant health management.
- Surveillance of Invasive Species – Identifies and monitors invasive plant species that threaten agriculture and biodiversity.
- Collaboration with International Bodies – Works with international plant health organizations to align with global standards and promote safe trade.
Important Links
Address & Contacts
- Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS)
- P.O. Box 49592-00100, Nairobi
- director@kephis.org | kephisinfo@kephis.org
- +254709891000