In December 2021, FAEA’s Executive Director traveled to Kenya to assess the progress of ongoing initiatives aimed at supporting the country’s development of comprehensive food and feed safety legislation. The visit was a critical step in evaluating the successful completion of Phase I activities and setting the stage for the next phases of the project, which will focus on capacity building and regulatory support.

Since mid-2020, FAEA has been actively involved in assisting Kenya in its efforts to modernize food safety regulations. During this visit, the Executive Director met with key stakeholders, including representatives from Kenya’s Ministry of Agriculture and members of the task force responsible for drafting the new food safety bill. The meetings confirmed that significant strides had been made, culminating in the completion of a draft food safety policy and legislative language. This draft is now poised for submission to Kenya’s Parliament for consideration.

The process is not yet complete, with two crucial activities scheduled for January 2022. These include publishing the draft law for public comment and hosting an inter-ministerial meeting to finalize the draft before it is officially submitted. Once these steps are taken, the focus will shift toward Phases II and III of the project, which will involve extensive capacity-building training for regulatory agency staff and providing support in drafting any additional regulations required to implement the new law effectively.

Another key objective of the visit was to review the status of the North American Meat Institute’s (NAMI) research into Kenya’s livestock production and meat processing industry. The research highlights significant challenges that continue to impede the sector’s growth, particularly in areas such as feed availability, cold chain infrastructure, and workforce training.

Kenya’s meat processing industry is still in its early stages, with most meat production occurring in small-scale, local facilities that lack modern equipment and processing capabilities. The visit revealed that while some larger facilities are striving to modernize, the industry faces substantial hurdles, including inconsistent livestock quality, high feed costs and inadequate cold storage. Stakeholders consistently emphasized the need for improved feed formulations, better herd health practices, and the development of a robust cold chain system to ensure both food safety and the potential for regional export.

The visit underscored FAEA’s commitment to supporting Kenya’s journey toward improved food safety and livestock sector development. By facilitating these next phases of the project, FAEA is not only helping Kenya establish a more resilient food safety system but also contributing to the country’s broader economic development by enhancing the capacity of its meat processing industry.