NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 4 – The Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (Kephis) has announced revised inspection and phytosanitary fees for importers and exporters of agricultural products.
The new charges took effect on December 1, 2024, and apply to goods transported by sea and air.
According to a notice by Kephis Managing Director Theophilus Mutui, exporters of fresh produce will pay Sh0.50 per kilogram, with a minimum fee of Sh100, alongside an additional Sh500 for a phytosanitary certificate and inspection.
Importers will incur Sh0.50 per kilogram plus Sh600 per plant import permit and inspection.
For water vessels, small vessels under 10,000 MT, such as dhows and canoes, will be charged Sh1,000 for inspection, while large vessels over 10,000 MT will pay Sh5,000. Inspections for empty ships will cost Sh10,000.
Container inspection fees are set at Sh500 for small 20-ft containers and Sh1,000 for large 40-ft containers.
Large aircraft inspections will cost Sh3,000, while small aircraft inspections will be charged Sh1,500.
Other charges include Sh5,000 for minor consignment quality examination per consignment and Sh1,000 for moisture content determination.
This announcement follows the National Biosafety Authority’s directive requiring individuals rearing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to register and obtain approval.
The directive comes after the High Court lifted the 2012 GMO cultivation ban on November 7.
