KEPHIS Export Requirements for Kenyan Produce and AFA (2026)

Kenya is known for fresh produce exports, but every consignment crosses a regulatory checkpoint before it leaves. KEPHIS export requirements for Kenyan produce are set by the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service, while the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) oversees horticultural crops. This guide explains the route for growers, packhouses and exporters in places like Naivasha, Nakuru, Meru, Kiambu and Nairobi, using KEPHIS and AFA pages read in October 2026. KEPHIS now publishes at kephis.go.ke, and its older kephis.org addresses still appear in places. Requirements change, so confirm each step with KEPHIS and AFA before you act.

KEPHIS export requirements: who does what

KEPHIS is responsible for plant health. On its phytosanitary services page, KEPHIS describes inspectors who visit commercial growers during active growth to check for specified pests and diseases and safe pesticide use, and who inspect plants and produce at airports, seaports, mail facilities and border posts. A phytosanitary certificate is issued for consignments that meet the requirements; non-compliant material is destroyed or prohibited from leaving the country. AFA's FAQ describes the Authority as overseeing, promoting and developing designated crop value chains, and offering export guidelines, quality certifications and market development support. KEPHIS asks applicants for an HCD export licence, and HCD is AFA's Horticultural Crops Directorate. AFA pages on licensing were not available to us for reading, so confirm AFA requirements directly.

Registering as an exporter with KEPHIS

KEPHIS's Procedure for Registration as an Exporter of Agricultural Produce (a KEPHIS PDF stored in its October 2024 upload folder) sets out four steps:

Written application to the Managing Director of KEPHIS, with attachments: the HCD export licence, company registration certificate, KRA PIN certificate and director identification documents, signed contracts with growers (if any), a signed agreement if sourcing from authorised exporters, and details of farm locations, crops, acreage and target markets.
System audit, which the procedure says is to occur within ten working days of receiving the application.
Electronic Certification System (ECS) training for all companies.
Written notification and ECS registration, applied for through the Online Services section of the KEPHIS website, after which you receive a password to log in as a client.

The document does not state fees or the validity period of the registration, so ask KEPHIS. Read the KEPHIS exporter registration procedure.

What the system audit looks at

The procedure distinguishes between types of exporter. Growers and consolidators of perishable produce must show they understand market requirements and provide documented policies for farmer recruitment, sprayer and equipment calibration, traceability, internal audits and corrective actions, pest management, produce safety and hygiene, handler hygiene and waste disposal. Auditors verify that these are applied on contracted farms, your own farms and with suppliers, including planting, weeding, fertiliser, scouting and spraying records, approved pesticide lists, trained and calibrated sprayers, storage for chemicals and protective equipment, and packhouse compliance. The procedure says field technical staff must hold at minimum a tertiary qualification in agriculture, horticulture or a related field. Dealers in fresh fruits and vegetables must also submit a produce sample for pesticide residue analysis at the KEPHIS laboratory after the field audit passes. Exporters of dried or processed produce undergo a facility inspection covering quality control, handling, sanitation, worker health and hygiene, and pest control.

KEPHIS export requirements: phytosanitary certification per consignment

The KEPHIS phytosanitary services page lists the sequence for exports: the exporter obtains an import permit from the importing country that sets out its phytosanitary requirements; KEPHIS inspectors check growers during the growing period; inspectors check plants and produce at exit points using visual or microscopic methods, with sample levels depending on the commodity's assessed risk; and a phytosanitary certificate is issued if the consignment meets requirements. The standards checked include freedom from pests and disease damage, compliance with maximum residue limits, grading, moisture, mechanical damage, and packaging and labelling. The page does not state fees or timelines. Our guide to the phytosanitary certificate for African exporters explains the certificate from the exporter's side. KEPHIS also publishes EU notifications on its import and export page, including documents on EU quarantine pests; if you export to the EU, review them and read our EU import requirements guide. See the KEPHIS phytosanitary services page.

AFA horticulture rules and KS 1758

AFA published a press release clarifying the National Horticulture Code of Practice, KS 1758, developed by KEBS with industry. The release states that KEBS maintains the code, AFA's Horticultural Crops Directorate enforces it, and industry uses it, and that subscription to the standard is not mandatory. It applies to farmers who choose to be certified, and uncertified farmers may still produce and sell. Certification costs are set by the certifying body, and group certification is encouraged so farmers can share costs. The release is undated. Read it on the AFA website.

Examples: avocado and macadamia

For crop-specific buyer expectations, see our guides to exporting avocados from Kenya and exporting macadamia nuts from Kenya. Both link the paperwork above to the commercial side: agreeing grades, packing, labelling and shipping terms with buyers. Remember that you arrange and pay for shipping and clearance; Comilmart does not handle freight, customs, duties or delivery.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to register with KEPHIS to export fresh produce? KEPHIS publishes a procedure for registration as an exporter of agricultural produce. Confirm with KEPHIS whether it applies to your product and buyer market.

How long is the KEPHIS system audit? The procedure says the audit is to occur within ten working days of receiving your application. Total time depends on your readiness.

Is the HCD export licence the same as KEPHIS registration? No. KEPHIS lists the HCD export licence as one attachment to its application. Ask AFA about its own licensing process.

Is KS 1758 compulsory? AFA's release says subscription is not mandatory, but buyers may ask for it.

Which payment methods does Comilmart support for suppliers? Ask Comilmart through live chat or /contact-us.

Getting started

If you grow, pack or export produce in Kenya and are working through KEPHIS export requirements, apply as a supplier at /apply-manufacturer. It is free to apply. The form asks for your company registration number, tax number, business licence, registration certificate and at least two sample product images, and admin review is stated as taking about 24 to 48 hours. Choose the category that fits your products. Buyers can post requests at /request-quotation. Confirm all KEPHIS and AFA requirements with those bodies before you apply.