Paste has implemented a transformative law aimed at enhancing the safety of food and animal feed by unifying the various government agencies responsible for food safety into a cohesive system.
The Food and Feed Safety Control Co-ordination Act, 2026 (No. 21 of 2026) received presidential assent on June 23, 2026, and officially took effect on July 10, 2026.
This legislation focuses on improving collaboration among public institutions tasked with ensuring the safety of food and animal feed for both human and animal consumption. By minimizing overlapping responsibilities, the law enhances accountability and bolsters the nation’s response to food safety challenges.
Livestock Development Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke expressed strong support for the reforms, emphasizing that enhanced oversight of animal feeds will significantly benefit livestock health and food safety.
“Safe feed serves as the cornerstone of safe food. By strengthening coordination among institutions, we can effectively reduce contamination risks, protect animal health, and elevate the competitiveness of Kenya’s livestock sector in both domestic and international markets,” Mueke stated.
A key innovation introduced by this law is the creation of the Office of the Food and Feed Safety Controller. This independent office will coordinate food and feed safety efforts nationwide.
The office will oversee the execution of national food safety programs, assess the performance of government agencies, identify policy gaps, advise the government on emerging food safety concerns, and publish an annual report detailing the state of food safety in Kenya.
Additionally, the office will establish a national food and feed safety information management system and coordinate the country’s readiness and response to food safety emergencies.
This law arrives at a crucial juncture, as Kenya grapples with significant food safety challenges, including aflatoxin contamination in maize and other cereals, pesticide residues in fresh produce, antimicrobial resistance, and substandard animal feeds. These challenges threaten public health, livestock production, and Kenya’s agricultural export potential.
County governments will assume responsibility for licensing and inspecting food and feed businesses, enforcing food safety standards, conducting public awareness campaigns, enhancing technical capacity, and preparing annual food safety reports.
Each county must submit its annual report to the Food and Feed Safety Controller by the conclusion of each financial year.
Brenda Nakumincha, Head of Food Safety at the Ministry of Health, highlighted that the Act is founded on principles that prioritize the protection of human and animal health, safeguard consumer interests, promote science-based decision-making, and support sustainable food production.
The Act mandates the controller, in collaboration with national and county government agencies, to develop and periodically review a multi-year national food and feed safety control plan to guide inspections and enforcement.
Nakumincha emphasized that the legislation aims to enhance coordination among institutions while allowing each agency to fulfill its legal responsibilities.
“Food safety is a collective responsibility that demands robust coordination among all institutions. This legislation lays the groundwork necessary to harmonize our efforts, improve surveillance, and strengthen our capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to food safety risks throughout the entire food chain,” she said.
This coordinated approach will elevate consumer protection, enhance traceability, and boost confidence in Kenyan food products in both local and international markets.
In-depth analysis reveals that the food safety system encompasses several institutions, including the Ministries of Health and Agriculture, the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB), the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), the Directorate of Veterinary Services, and county governments.
These reforms are poised to assist Kenya in meeting international food safety standards set by the Codex Alimentarius Commission and the World Trade Organization’s Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement, ultimately boosting the nation’s agricultural exports and fostering greater consumer confidence in locally produced food.
