The Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (Kephis) has introduced new inspection and phytosanitary fees for agricultural imports and exports, effective December 1, 2024. These updated charges apply to goods transported by both sea and air.
According to a notice from Kephis Managing Director Theophilus Mutui, exporters of fresh produce will now pay Sh0.50 per kilogram, with a minimum fee of Sh100. Additionally, a charge of Sh500 will apply for each phytosanitary certificate and inspection. Importers, meanwhile, will face a fee of Sh0.50 per kilogram, plus Sh600 for a plant import permit and inspection.
For water vessels, inspection fees are tiered based on vessel size. Small vessels under 10,000 MT, such as dhows and canoes, will incur a Sh1,000 inspection fee, while larger vessels over 10,000 MT will be charged Sh5,000. Empty vessels will face a fee of Sh10,000 for inspection.
Container inspections will cost Sh500 for small 20-foot containers and Sh1,000 for large 40-foot containers. Aircraft inspections will also vary: large aircraft inspections will cost Sh3,000, while small aircraft will incur a fee of Sh1,500.
Additional fees include Sh5,000 for minor consignment quality examinations and Sh1,000 for moisture content determination.
This announcement follows the directive from the National Biosafety Authority, which mandates that individuals rearing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) must register and obtain approval.
These revised fees reflect Kephis’ ongoing efforts to streamline its inspection processes while ensuring the quality and safety of agricultural products entering and leaving the country.