In November 2019, FAEA welcomed a high-level delegation of Kenyan government officials to Washington, D.C., marking a pivotal step in Kenya’s journey toward establishing a robust food and feed safety system. This initiative, aimed to offer the Kenyan delegation a comprehensive understanding of how the U.S. food and feed safety regulatory framework operates.

As Kenya grapples with decisions on how best to regulate its food and feed supply, the visit provided valuable insights into the U.S. model, where various agencies coordinate to ensure safety and compliance. The delegation included a diverse mix of technical experts, senior ministry officials and parliamentary lawmakers—key decision-makers who are central to shaping Kenya’s future food safety landscape.

Kenya is at a critical juncture in its food safety journey. The government has been considering whether to establish a Kenyan Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) as a centralized regulatory body. However, opinions are divided. Some stakeholders advocate for a unified agency, while others argue that an integrated system—where ministries like Agriculture, Health, and Trade work together, similar to the U.S. model—would better serve Kenya’s needs.

Recognizing the significance of this decision, the FAEA-organized visit was designed to showcase how the U.S. system operates across multiple agencies, balancing the roles of regulatory bodies like the FDA, FSIS, EPA and APHIS. The overarching goal was to illustrate that a well-coordinated, multi-agency approach can be more effective than consolidating all food safety responsibilities under a single entity.

The week-long visit kicked off with a series of meetings at the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), where officials briefed the Kenyan delegation on how U.S. regulatory agencies collaborate with industry stakeholders to ensure science-based food and feed safety laws. From understanding the rule-making process to the role of public consultations, the delegation gained first-hand knowledge of how regulatory frameworks are developed and implemented in the U.S.

The delegation then engaged in in-depth discussions with representatives from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), who explained the legal and constitutional foundations that guide U.S. trade and regulatory practices. The USTR team emphasized the importance of transparency, stakeholder engagement and evidence-based decision-making in developing effective food safety legislation. These sessions underscored that building a reliable food safety system involves more than just legislation; it requires a collaborative process that incorporates diverse voices, from government to industry.

Midweek, the delegation met with leading U.S. industry associations, including the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA), the U.S. Grains Council and other FAEA members. These meetings highlighted how U.S. industry groups work hand-in-hand with regulatory agencies to maintain high safety standards while promoting trade. The Kenyan officials also had the opportunity to tour poultry farms, feed processing plants and dairy operations, providing them with a practical look at how regulations are applied at every stage of the production process.

The visit concluded with a wrap-up meeting where Kenyan officials and FAEA representatives mapped out the next steps. The Kenyan team expressed their intention to refine the existing draft of their food safety legislation based on insights gained during the visit. With support from FAEA and U.S. regulatory experts, Kenya plans to finalize the draft and present it to Parliament in the coming months.

FAEA has committed to providing ongoing technical and logistical support as Kenya moves toward enacting and implementing this legislation. The next phase involves hosting a workshop in Kenya, where local stakeholders will review the draft law and offer feedback before it is formally submitted. This collaborative approach aims to ensure that the final legislation is not only scientifically sound but also tailored to Kenya’s unique needs and challenges.

The significance of this initiative extends beyond Kenya. As a leading economy in East Africa, Kenya’s success in building a robust food safety system has the potential to influence regional standards and practices. A well-functioning food safety framework could enhance Kenya’s trade opportunities, improve public health and position the country as a regional leader in food and feed safety.

FAEA’s involvement underscores its commitment to supporting global food safety and regulatory harmonization. The alliance recognizes that building sustainable food systems is a shared responsibility that benefits all stakeholders, from local farmers to international markets.

As Kenya continues its journey, FAEA looks forward to working closely with its partners to achieve lasting results that will not only benefit Kenya but also serve as a model for other countries in the region. Stay tuned for more updates on this critical work as the legislation moves closer to becoming a reality.