By Aoma Keziah,
The Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA), led a delegation of researchers from across East Africa on a visit to KEPHIS (Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service). The visit focused on the exchange of clean germplasm and exploring collaborative efforts in combating devastating plant diseases such as Banana Xanthomonas Wilt, Banana Bacterial Wilt, Banana Bunchy Top Virus, and the Tropical Race 4 (TR4) strain of Fusarium Wilt.
The team, representing Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan, was welcomed by KEPHIS Muguga Deputy Executive Director, Dr. George Ngundo, who highlighted KEPHIS’ role as Kenya’s official agency and a center of excellence for plant health, emphasizing its strategic importance in safeguarding agriculture and promoting sustainable plant disease management practices across the region.
ASARECA Interim Executive Director Dr. Slyvester Dickson Baguma, acknowledged KEPHIS as a vital partner in the fight against plant diseases, stressing the importance of regional cooperation and knowledge sharing to protect food security and improve agricultural productivity in East Africa.
“KEPHIS has been at the forefront of ensuring plant health in the region, and its work with clean germplasm is critical to combating diseases that threaten crops vital to food security.” He remarked.
The visiting researchers were given a comprehensive tour of KEPHIS’ facilities, including the germplasm exchange program, which focuses on ensuring the safe transfer and preservation of plant genetic materials free from harmful pathogens. The delegation also had the opportunity to learn about KEPHIS’ diagnostic laboratories, plant quarantine services, and pest and disease surveillance systems.
This activity is part of a broader initiative supported by the European Union Commission through the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). The collaboration aims to enhance regional capacity for plant disease management and promote the exchange of knowledge and technologies to tackle the most pressing agricultural challenges in the East African region.
The team’s visit after their five day workshop on regional capacity building workshop on preparedness and response to new and emerging pest threats of Banana in the East African Community in Nairobi, highlighted the growing importance of regional collaboration in addressing plant health issues that threaten crops critical to the livelihoods of millions of farmers in East Africa. By working together, experts hope to build stronger, more resilient agricultural systems across the region.
John Kamau 
Mt Kenya Times