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< Back FAEA Executive Director Visits Kenya to Set Strategic Direction for 2024 Activities November 2023 This new understanding is set to have a direct impact on policy. According to Mr. Rachuonyo, the insights gained will "contribute to the overall performance for the Technical Committees (TCs) by ensuring that the voices of smaller businesses are actively heard and considered." This emphasis on inclusion is key to developing standards that are not only scientifically sound but also practical and achievable for the entire food sector. Previous Next

< Back FAEA Drives Key Progress in Kenya’s Food Safety Legislation March 2021 Building on the momentum from December 2020’s initial task force meeting in Naivasha, FAEA and USDA continued their support of Kenya’s food and feed safety regulatory overhaul by facilitating a crucial follow-up event in March 2021. This meeting marked a significant next step in Kenya’s journey toward enacting comprehensive food safety legislation that aligns with international best practices. The gathering brought together top officials from multiple ministries, technical experts and international advisors with the primary objective of drafting a food safety bill based on the updated policy established in the previous meetings. The discussions focused on refining the draft policy document and aligning it with Kenya’s current governance structures and international commitments. By emphasizing a risk-based approach grounded in science, the draft bill aims to address Kenya’s unique food safety challenges while setting a strong legal foundation for future regulatory efforts. A notable outcome of the meeting was the completion of a draft food safety bill that not only outlines clear mandates for various regulatory agencies but also resolves longstanding issues related to coordination and overlapping responsibilities. The task force members worked late into the evenings, demonstrating their dedication to producing a bill that balances regulatory clarity with effective food safety control measures. The participation of high-level government officials, including multiple Principal Secretaries, reaffirmed the commitment to a unified approach and the importance of collaboration across ministries. Presentations from U.S. food safety regulators and other international experts provided valuable insights, helping the task force navigate the complexities of creating a regulatory framework that is both nationally relevant and globally compliant. Looking ahead, the task force will focus on engaging parliamentary committees, finalizing the coordination framework, and conducting broader stakeholder consultations. These next steps are critical as Kenya moves closer to enacting a food safety law that not only safeguards public health but also positions the country for enhanced trade opportunities. Previous Next

FAEA Products FAEA members represent U.S. meat, poultry, dairy, feed grains, feed ingredients, soybean and rendered products. Tariff Codes

Jim Sutter FAEA Chairman CEO USSEC is a dynamic partnership of key stakeholders representing soybean producers, commodity shippers, merchandisers, allied agribusinesses and agricultural organizations. Through a global network of international offices and strong support in the U.S., USSEC helps build a preference for U.S. soybeans and soybean products, advocates for the use of soy in feed, aquaculture and human consumption, promotes the benefits of soy use through education and connects industry leaders through a robust membership program. https://www.ussec.org

Jesse J. Sevcik Executive Director, Global Government Affairs Elanco (NYSE: ELAN) is a global animal health company that develops products and knowledge services to prevent and treat disease in food animals and pets in more than 90 countries. With a 65-year heritage, we rigorously innovate to improve the health of animals and benefit our customers, while fostering an inclusive, cause-driven culture for more than 5,800 employees. At Elanco, we’re driven by our vision of food and companionship enriching life - all to advance the health of animals, people and the planet. https://www.elanco.com/

Kenya FAEA has been actively involved in supporting Kenya’s food safety journey since 2019, playing a pivotal role in drafting and developing of the Food and Feed Safety Control Coordination Bill. Through collaboration with Kenyan government ministries and local stakeholders, FAEA has helped guide the creation of a robust food safety framework aligned with global best practices. With the pending passage of the bill, FAEA continues its commitment to advancing food safety initiatives that position Kenya as a leader in the East African Community (EAC). KEY INITIATIVES FAEA-Kenya 1-Pager Regulatory Enhancement: Since 2019, FAEA has supported Kenya’s efforts to draft and refine its food and feed safety regulations. By facilitating key meetings, task force engagements and expert consultations, FAEA helped shape a comprehensive bill that aligns with international standards. Now, FAEA is focused on supporting the Kenyan government in updating and harmonizing these regulations, ensuring they are clear, enforceable and conducive to trade. Capacity Building: In parallel with regulatory work, FAEA is enhancing the capabilities of Kenyan regulatory agencies and private sector stakeholders. By delivering targeted training programs and resources, FAEA equips these groups with the knowledge and skills needed to implement and comply with the updated food safety regulations. These efforts improve the quality of food products and ensure they meet both local and global safety standards. Leadership in Food Safety: FAEA’s strategic involvement in Kenya’s food safety transformation aims to establish the country as a model for food safety excellence within the EAC. Success in Kenya is expected to serve as a blueprint for similar reforms across the region, promoting public health, enhancing trade opportunities, and driving economic growth. FAEA’s commitment to Kenya’s food safety initiatives not only strengthens local safety standards but also fosters a more competitive market for U.S. agricultural exports. As FAEA continues to support Kenya’s regulatory and capacity-building efforts, these initiatives are setting the stage for improved food safety and regulatory leadership across East Africa. PROGRAM UPDATES

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< Back FAEA Executive Director Visits Kenya to Assess Food Safety Progress and Plan Next Steps December 2021 Ultimately, the workshop shifted the dynamic from simply identifying problems to co-creating solutions. Facilitator Dr. Janie Dubois challenged both regulators and industry to bring innovative ideas back to the TCs. This approach empowers the food industry to become proactive partners in shaping regulatory policy, leading to more robust, widely adopted food safety practices that benefit consumers and strengthen Kenya's position in the global market. Previous Next

< Back FAEA Hosts Kenyan Food and Feed Safety Delegation in Washington, D.C. November 2019 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. Previous Next

Trachelle Carr Senior Director of International Technical Affairs The National Pork Producers Council, which consists of 42 affiliated state associations, is the global voice for the U.S. pork industry, enhancing opportunities for the success of pork producers and other industry stakeholders by establishing the pork industry as a consistent and responsible supplier of high-quality pork to domestic and world markets. On behalf of America’s 60,000 pork producers, NPPC fights for reasonable federal legislation and regulations, maintains and develops export market opportunities, and protects producers’ livelihoods. Public-policy issues on which it focuses are in the areas of agriculture and industry, animal well-being and food safety, environment and energy, and international trade. https://www.nppc.org

BANGLADESH CAMBODIA KENYA NIGERIA

< Back Workshop for the Development of a Roadmap for Industry Capacity Building in Food Safety in Kenya August 2024 Previous Next