Stakeholders Convene to Enhance Coordination on Marine Vessel and Container Phytosanitary Inspection Programme

A joint stakeholders’ consultative meeting on the Marine Vessel and Container Phytosanitary Inspection Programme was held on 14th October 2025 at the Kenya Maritime Authority Headquarters in Mombasa, bringing together key industry players and government agencies involved in trade facilitation and port operations.

The meeting, convened by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, sought to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders in addressing emerging issues related to phytosanitary inspections, compliance processes, and operational efficiency at the Port of Mombasa.

Stakeholders at the consultative meeting on the Marine Vessel and Container Phytosanitary Inspection Programme in Mombasa

Participants included representatives from the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA), Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association (KIFWA), Kenya Ships Agents Association (KSAA), and the Empty Container Depot Association (ECDA), among others.

The consultative session provided a valuable platform for open dialogue on streamlining inspection procedures and enhancing coordination between regulatory agencies and private sector players to facilitate safe and efficient trade.

The stakeholders agreed to continue engaging under the Ministry’s leadership to align on a harmonized framework for implementing the inspection programme, ensuring efficiency, transparency, and compliance with international phytosanitary standards.