The national plant safety agency has successfully intercepted a ship at the port of Mombasa with highly destructive pests that threaten forests and crops. The Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) reported that the vessel was heavily infested with various pests, including the Asian Gipsy Moth (AGM).
The Managing Director of KEPHIS, Theophilus Mutui, announced that the agency intercepted the ship and treated it for the invasive pests that are not native to Kenya.
Prof. Mutui noted that the ship’s journey began in Italy, but it had passed through several other ports before arriving in Mombasa on July 29 of this year.
The vessel was carrying heavy machinery intended for Uganda. He confirmed that after treatment, the ship was allowed to proceed with its journey.
“The interception was prompted by an advance alert from the shipping line, which suspected possible pest contamination and informed KEPHIS of the potential infestation before the ship’s arrival,” he stated.
He mentioned that the treatment was carried out while the vessel was anchored offshore, ensuring that there was no risk of pests entering the country at that time.
“This swift action prevented the pests from entering Kenya, where they could have caused irreversible damage to agriculture, forestry, and trade,” he stressed.
The AGM, native to Asia, is notorious for its devastating global effects and has been reported in Canada, the United States, and New Zealand, leading to billions in losses from eradication efforts.
Its caterpillars feed on over 500 species of trees and plants, stripping forests and destroying crops.
“If introduced into Kenya, AGM would threaten the forestry, horticulture, and export sectors — jeopardizing millions of livelihoods.”
KEPHIS has also begun inspecting sea containers arriving on vessels at the Mombasa port to ensure they are treated to prevent the introduction of foreign pests.
Mutui stated that Kephis is ramping up its initiatives to stop harmful pests from entering the country through various channels, not just agricultural products from farms.
He pointed out that the recent interception is a crucial warning that dangerous pests can enter through unexpected pathways, stressing that early detection and swift action are Kenya’s best defenses against potential threats.
“Kephis is calling for improved collaboration with stakeholders in the shipping and maritime sectors, including port authorities, shipping firms, freight forwarders, and vessel operators,” he noted.
He stressed that by sharing information quickly, adhering to phytosanitary standards, and maintaining strict hygiene protocols for ships, containers, and cargo, the industry can play a vital role in preventing invasive pests from entering Kenya, thus safeguarding the country’s agriculture, environment, and trade.