On August 12, 2026, Kenya’s National Assembly enacted the Plant Protection Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 28 of 2025), introducing a modern legal framework to shield the country’s agriculture from harmful plant pests and diseases.

The new law replaces the outdated Plant Protection Act, Cap. 324, which was deemed insufficient to address advances in agricultural practices, emerging technologies, and evolving international trade standards.

Enhanced Role for KEPHIS

The Bill formally appoints the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) as the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO). This designation aligns Kenya with the International Plant Protection Convention, ensuring compliance with global phytosanitary standards and sustaining access to export markets.

KEPHIS will continue overseeing regulatory and enforcement duties including border inspections, seed certification, quarantine controls, and plant health surveillance. Meanwhile, specialized technical bodies will provide advisory services such as risk assessment and policy formulation, creating a clear division between enforcement and technical guidance.

Stricter Controls on Imports and Exports

The legislation establishes stringent requirements for importing and exporting plants and related products. Importers must obtain permits, and consignments are required to enter through designated inspection points. Phytosanitary certificates and registration will be mandatory for certain goods.

Consignments failing to meet standards may be intercepted, treated, destroyed, or returned at the importer’s expense. Offenders face penalties of up to Ksh2 million or imprisonment. The Bill also mandates inspections of vehicles and equipment to prevent pest transmission.

Defined Roles for National and County Governments

The national government is tasked with policy leadership, cross-border pest management coordination, and capacity building for counties. County governments will manage local pest surveillance, report infestations, enforce regulations, and support plant clinics and producer training.

Additionally, a National Plant Health Emergency Response Committee will oversee preparedness and resource mobilisation during plant health crises, with provisions for county-level emergency committees.

Additional Provisions

  • Management of invasive weeds and wood packaging materials
  • Regulation of laboratories, nurseries, tissue-culture facilities, and organic certification
  • Monitoring of pesticide residues and heavy metals
  • Defined powers for plant health inspectors and lab analysts
  • Penalties for obstructing authorized officers
  • Mechanisms for fees, dispute resolution, and transitional licensing

The Plant Protection Bill aims to strengthen Kenya’s agricultural biosecurity, enhance trade compliance, and protect food security by preventing the entry and spread of harmful pests.