Quality Control

The agencies concerned with regulatory responsibilities and quality control including some of their functions are listed below.   

KEPHIS - Kenya Plant Health Inspection Service  

KEPHIS is a state agency formed by Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service Act 2012 and its mission is to provide a regulatory service by assuring plant health, quality of agricultural inputs and produce for food security, globally competitive agriculture, and sustainable development. 

Certification of the quality of seeds and fertilizers. 

  

• Testing and monitoring for harmful residual Agro-chemicals on agricultural produce, soils, and water systems. 

• Preventing the introduction into the country of harmful foreign weeds, pests, and diseases through the adherence of strict quarantine regulations and procedures. 

• Inspecting and grading import and export agricultural produce so that they are of an acceptable quality. 

• Implementing the national policy on the introduction and use of genetically modified plant species, seeds, insects, and micro-organisms into Kenya.  

• Potential importers of food or seeds must apply for a Plant Import Permit (PIP) from KEPHIS prior to any material being imported. Failure to comply may result in commodities being denied entry to Kenya.  

 

Address: P.O. Box 49592-00100, Nairobi, Kenya  

Tel:   +254 020 884 545 cell:  +254 722 516 221  

Fax: +254 020 882 265  

Email: director@kephis.org 

Website: Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) 

SERVICE CHARTER (kephis.org) 

  

National Biosafety Authority (NBA)  

The National Biosafety Authority (NBA) was established by the Biosafety Act No. 2 of 2009 to exercise general supervision and control over the transfer, handling, and use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). 

The mandate of NBA includes. 

• To consider and determine applications for approval for transfer, handling, and use of genetically modified organism. 

• To co-ordinate research and monitor activities relating to safe development, transfer, handling, and use of GMOs. 

• To strengthen national technical capacities and capabilities for biosafety. 

• To develop regulations for biosafety Act 2009. 

• To establish and maintain a Biosafety Clearing House (BCH) mechanism. 

• To improve biosafety and biotechnology public awareness. 

• To enforce the provisions of Biosafety Act 2009. 

• To provide advisory services on matters of biosafety 

 

Address:  NACOSTI Building, Loresho, Off Waiyaki Way.   

Tel:  +254–020–2678667  

Email: info@biosafetykenya.go.ke  

Website: http://www.biosafetykenya.go.ke 

National Biosafety Authority - Service Charter (biosafetykenya.go.ke) 

  

Kenya Revenue Authority 

The Kenya Revenue Authority was established by an Act of Parliament, Chapter 469 of the laws of Kenya and came into effect on 1st July 1995. KRA (Kenya Revenue Authority) is charged with collecting revenue on behalf of the government of Kenya. 

The core functions of the Authority are: - 

1. To assess, collect and account for all revenues in accordance with the written laws and the specified provisions of the written laws. 

2. To advise on matters relating to the administration of, and collection of revenue under the written laws or the specified provisions of the written laws. 

3. To perform such other functions in relation to revenue as the Cabinet Secretary may direct. 

KRA, as part of its agenda to enhance service delivery and promote tax compliance, continues to implement systems that leverage technology to simplify tax operations. 

Some of these systems include-: 

iTax – Integrated Tax Management System (iTax) is a system that allows taxpayers to update their tax registration details, file tax returns, register tax payments and make status enquiries with real - time monitoring of their ledger account. 

iCMS –Integrated Customs Management System (ICMS) is set to replace the Simba System. iCMS will streamline customs operations as well as automate manual operations. 

RECTS – Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECTS) is a system that facilitates end-to-end monitoring of transits along the Northern Corridor. RECTS has improved cargo security and helped fast- track the movement of goods along the Northern Corridor. 

 

Times Tower Haile Selassie Avenue  

P.O.BOX 48240 - 00100 GPO  

Tel:   020-310900, 020-2810000 cell:  +254 711 099 999; 

Email: callcentre@kra.go.ke 

Website: http://www.kra.go.ke/  

Microsoft Word - KRA - Citizens' Service Delivery Charter 

  
Kenya Bureau of standards   

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) is the premier government agency for the provision of Standards, Metrology and Conformity Assessment (SMCA) services since its inception in 1974. Over that period its main activities have grown from the development of standards and quality control for a limited number of locally made products in the seventies to the provision of more comprehensive Standards development, Metrology, Conformity Assessment, Training and Certification services. With the re-establishment of the East African Community (EAC) and Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), KEBS activities now include participation in the development and implementation of SMCA activities at the regional level where it participates in the harmonization of standards, measurements, and conformity assessment regimes for regional integration. KEBS operates the National Enquiry Point in support of the WTO (World Trade Organization) Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT). 

Kenya Bureau of Standards is the custodian and enforcement agency for quality and specifications as well as pre-shipment inspections/verifications.  

 Role of Kenya Bureau of Standards: 

1.  Provision of the country's Quality Infrastructure for facilitation of trade: In the present era of Trade Globalization, market entry requires compliance to international standards and evidence of such compliance through an internationally recognized Standards, Measurement Systems (Metrology), Conformity Assessment and Accreditation. 

2. Support of Kenya Industries: A functioning quality infrastructure helps to increase productivity in manufacturing and service delivery. This helps to create jobs, encourages investment, and can promote the careful use of natural resources. 

3. Sustainability of production systems: A quality infrastructure also helps bring about improvements in environmental protection through sustainable consumption and production, health care, consumer protection, and distributes national wealth more equally by enabling transfer of knowledge to small enterprises. 

 

Head office location: Popo Road, Off Mombasa Road 

P.O Box 54974 - 00200, Nairobi Kenya  
Tel: (+254 20) 6948000  
Mobile: +254722202137, +254734600471/2  
PVoC: +254724255242  
Email:info@kebs.org  

Website: www.kebs.org 

Service Charter (kebs.org) 

 

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority 

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority is established under the Energy Act 2019 to regulate the Electrical energy, Renewable energy, and other forms of energy as well as Upstream, Midstream and Downstream Petroleum and related products within the Republic of Kenya. 

The roles of Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority include-: 

• Licensing and regulation of petroleum, electricity, renewable energy sectors  

• Enforcement and compliance  

• Economic regulation 

• Complaints and dispute resolution 

 

Eagle Africa Centre. 

Longonot Road, Upper hill 

P.O Box 42681-00100, Nairobi 

Tel: +254 709 336 000|+254 020 284 7000 

0709 336 000 

info@epra.go.ke 

links: https://www.epra.go.ke/about/ 

Our Service Charter - Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (epra.go.ke) 

 

Kenya Pharmacy and Poisons Board 

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board is the Drug Regulatory Authority established under the Pharmacy and Poisons Act, Chapter 244 of the Laws of Kenya.  

The Board regulates the Practice of Pharmacy and the Manufacture and Trade in drugs and poisons. 

The Board aims to implement the appropriate regulatory measures to achieve the highest standards of safety, efficacy and quality for all drugs, chemical substances, and medical devices, locally manufactured, imported, exported, distributed, sold, or used, to ensure the protection of the consumer as envisaged by the laws regulating drugs in force in Kenya. 

The regulatory functions of the board include-: 

• Product registration 

• Licensing establishments 

• Regulatory inspections 

• Market surveillance and control 

• Vigilance  

• Quality control 

• Online systems 

Home - Pharmacy and Poisons Board (pharmacyboardkenya.org) 

Pharmacy & Poisons Board 

 P.O. Box 27663 – 00506, Nairobi.  

Lenana Road Opp. DOD 

enquiries@pharmacyboardkenya.org 

info@pharmacyboardkenya.org 

  

Kenya Ports Authority 

The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) was established in January 1978 by an Act of Parliament. KPA is mandated to manage and operate the port of Mombasa and all scheduled seaports along Kenya's coastline and inland waterways. This includes Mombasa, Lamu, Kisumu, Malindi, Kilifi, Mtwapa, Kiunga, Shimoni, Funzi and Vanga. KPA also manages the Inland Container Depots in Nairobi and Naivasha.  

Services offered-: 

1. Marine Operations: This includes pilotage, mooring, maintenance of aids to navigation, tug services, bunkering, conservancy, pollution control and firefighting. 

2. Stevedoring includes stevedoring Services or handling of cargo within the vessel and/or between the vessel and the quay or the next mode of transportation. 

3. Cargo handling includes stevedoring, shore handling, stuffing, stripping, storage among other services. 

4. Support services; including support services for vessels, marine crafts and crew calling its ports and terminals. 

 

KPA handles goods for exportation and importation at the port. KPA levies fees on the services offered and storage charges to shippers who fail to remove their goods within the stipulated free period of four (4) days for domestic import containers and nine (9) days for transit import containers. The costs are published in the KPA tariff book. KPA has an integrated system that connects the public and private agencies dealing with the importation and exportation of goods within the region. The system is referred to as the Kenya Waters Terminal Operations System (KWATOS). It is integrated into the customs system, Integrated Customs Management System (ICMS), which has resulted in increased efficiencies and effectiveness in operations.  

 

SERVICE CHARTER: 

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwinsL7W4_SAAxUhSfEDHYdICcYQFnoECBAQAw&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kpa.co.ke%2FDocuments%2FCSC%2520ENGLISH%2520REVIEWED%2520BOOKLET%25202021%2520-%2520PDF.pdf&usg=AOvVaw0qQjeiY7ImPGADjA9ifzo1&opi=89978449 

 

Agriculture and Food Authority  

The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) is a state corporation in the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperatives. AFA was established by the Agriculture and Food Authority Act No. 13 of 2013 to operationalize the Crops Act No 16 of 2013. AFA issues certificates to importers and exporters. AFA uses the AFA–Integrated Management Information System (AFA IMIS) for the automation of its business process. The role of the AFA IMIS is to enable traders importing and exporting crops to acquire regulatory documents from remote locations and at their convenience without having to visit the agency. The AFA IMIS reduces the cycle time for issuing regulatory documents from the respective directorates. The system informs the stakeholders of the status of their applications through the system and reduces the complexity of the payments process by integrating into a payment gateway. It reduces administrative cost and time by eliminating paperwork through automated data collection, and also increases transparency through built-in audit trail reports and analytic[3]. The AFA levies fees for their services published in the AFA Tariff Book. 

Mandate of AFA 

• Administer the Crops Act, in accordance with the provisions of these Acts. 

• Promote best practices and regulate the production, processing, and marketing. 

• grading, storage, collection, transportation, and warehousing of agricultural products. 

• excluding livestock products as may be provided for under the Crops Act. 

• Collect and collate data, maintain a database on agricultural products excluding livestock products, documenting, and monitoring agriculture through registration of players as provided for in the Crops Act. 

• Determine the research priorities in agriculture and to advise on research thereof. 

• Advise the national government and the county governments on agriculture levies for purposes of planning, enhancing harmony and equity in the sector. 

• Conduct such other functions as may be assigned to it by this Act, the Crops Act. 

 

Links to services 

Mapped Processes (agricultureauthority.go.ke) 

Address-: 

Agriculture and Food Authority 
Tea House; Naivasha Road, off Ngong Road 
P.O Box 37962 - 00100, Nairobi 
Cell Phone: +254-700638672 / 737454618 

 
E-Mail: info@afa.go.ke 
Website: www.afa.go.ke  

 

  

Port Health Services 

Port Health is a Division within the Department of Public Health mandated to prevent and guard against the introduction or spread of infectious diseases through our ports of entry/exit. This mandate is implemented at designated airports, maritime ports, and land border crossings. Port Health Services are regulated by both:  

1. International Health Regulation (IHR 2005) and  

2. Public Health Act CAP 242 & 242 Laws of Kenya) that coordinate health services between countries. 

 

Addresses 

MINISTRY OF HEALTH 

Afya House, Cathedral Road 

P.O Box 30016 – 00100 Nairobi, Kenya 

Email: porthealthservices@health.go.ke 

mohcommunication@health.go.ke 

complaint@health.go.ke 

Telephone number: 0795958552, 0798088534 

Karibu Port Health | Ministry of Health - Port Health Services (icta.go.ke) 

Import health clearance | Ministry of Health - Port Health Services (icta.go.ke) 

 

Anti counterfeit Authority  

The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) was established under the Anti-Counterfeit Act 2008 as a State Corporation. 

It is mandated to enlighten and inform the public on matters relating to counterfeiting, combat counterfeiting, trade and other dealings in counterfeit goods, devise and promote training programs to combat counterfeiting and co-ordinate with national, regional, or international organizations involved in combating counterfeiting. 

As the principal government agency mandated to prohibit trade in counterfeit products, the agency has in place measures to combat the vice and to contribute to the realization of free trade. The authority has five main functions including research, enforcement, public awareness, training, collaborations, and advisory role on anti-counterfeit matters to the Government. 

The Anti-Counterfeit Act gives the Authority the mandate to: 

• Enlighten and inform the public on matters relating to counterfeiting. 

• Combat counterfeiting, trade, and other dealings in counterfeit goods. 

• Devise and promote training programs to combat counterfeiting. 

• Co-ordinate with national, regional, or international organizations involved in combating counterfeiting. 

• Carry out any other functions prescribed for it under any of the provisions of this Act or under any other written law; and 

• Perform any other duty that may directly or indirectly contribute to  

• the attainment of the foregoing. 

For services offered by the authority can be found on the link below 

 https://www.aca.go.ke/service-charter 

 

Dr. Robi Mbugua Njoroge, Executive Director/CEO 

Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) 

National Water Plaza, 3rd Floor, Dunga Road, Industrial Area 

Email. info@aca.go.ke, https://www,aca.go.ke 

Tel. 25420-2280000 

Mobile +254717 430 640 

 

Communication Authority of Kenya 

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) is the regulatory authority for the communications sector in Kenya. Established in 1999 by the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998, the Authority is responsible for facilitating the development of the information and communications sectors including broadcasting, cybersecurity, multimedia, telecommunications, electronic commerce, postal and courier services. 

The roles of CA entail: 

• Licensing all systems and services in the communications industry, including telecommunications, postal, courier and broadcasting. 

• Managing the country’s frequency spectrum and numbering resources. 

• Facilitating the development and management of a national cyber security framework. 

• Facilitating the development of e-commerce. 

• Type approving and accepting communications equipment meant for use in the country. 

• Protecting consumer rights within the communications environment. 

• Managing competition within the sector to ensure a level playing ground for all players. 

• Regulating retail and wholesale tariffs for communications services. 

• Managing the universal access fund to facilitate access to communications services by all in Kenya. 

• Monitoring the activities of licensees to enforce compliance with the licence terms and conditions as well as the law. 

 

Links to services by CA 

Service Charter | Communications Authority of Kenya 

 

Address 

Head Office 
CA Centre 
P.O Box: 14448-00800, Nairobi 
Mobile: 0703 042000, 0730 172000 
Email: info@ca.go.ke 

Homepage | Communications Authority of Kenya 

 

KENTRADE 

Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade) is a State Corporation under the National Treasury established in January 2011 to establish, implement, and manage the National Electronic Single Window System (Kenya TradeNet System) and to facilitate trade. Kenya TradeNet System is an online platform that serves as a single-entry point for parties involved in international trade and transport logistics to lodge documents electronically, for processing, approvals and to make payments electronically for fees, levies, duties, and taxes due to the Government, on goods imported or exported in the country. 

National Electronic Single Window System Act, 2022 

Roles of KenTrade include: 

• Implementing policies relating to the National Electronic Single Window System (Kenya TradeNet System). 

• Integrate electronic systems of public and private entities involved in receipting, processing and approving documents relating to international trade transactions. 

• Develop, manage, and promote interchange of electronic data for facilitation of trade. 

• Undertake and co-ordinate research and surveys in electronic commerce aimed at simplifying and harmonizing trade documentation. 

• Maintain an electronic database of all imported and exported goods and services and the levies, fees, duties, and taxes charged on imported or exported goods and services. 

• Collect trade statistics. 

• Plan, develop, monitor, and evaluate training programmes for all stakeholders to ensure conformity with international best practices. 

About KenTrade – KenTrade 

Service Delivery Charter – KenTrade 

Contact: 

Manager, TradeNet & Value add services.  

Billy Ngumi 

Bngumi@kentrade.go.ke 

0721533153. 

 

For more information on regulatory departments and quality control laboratories’ contact details, please see the following links: 4.1 Government Contact List and 4.3 Laboratory and Quality Testing Company Contact List. 

Kenya Customs Information

Duties and Tax Exemption

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) was established by an Act of Parliament, which became effective on 1st July 1995.

The Authority is charged with the responsibility of collecting revenue on behalf of the Government of Kenya.

For contact information regarding government custom authorities, please follow the link below: http://www.revenue.go.ke/

Emergency Response:

[Note: This section contains information which is related and applicable to 'crisis' times. These instruments can be applied when an emergency is officially declared by the Government.

When this occurs, there is usually a streamlined process to import goods duty and tax free.]
Whereas a local import would have many stages, all UN, NGO’s and other privileged organisations will have various exemptions making the import procedures different.
Local imports are usually subjected to an Import Declaration Form (IDF) application before the goods are shipped. A payment of KES 5,000 (approx. $70) application fee is paid to customs.
However, the total amount payable is usually 2.75% of CIF whichever is higher. If the KES 5,000 fee is less than the 2.75% amount then the difference will be paid at the time of import.
On payment of this amount the importer liaises with the supplier to arrange for inspection by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) or its appointed agent at the country of origin.
A Certificate of Conformity (CoC) will then be issued to the supplier/importer which will form part of the clearing documents… however the UN and NGO’s are exempt from these procedures

Exemption Regular Regime (Non-Emergency Response): 

[Note: This section should contain information on the usual duties & taxes exemption regime during non-emergency times, when there is no declared state of emergency and no streamlines process (e.g. regular importations/development/etc.).]

• Whereas a local import would have many stages, all UN, NGO’s and other privileged organisations will have various exemptions making the import procedures different

• Local imports are usually subjected to an Import Declaration Form (IDF) application before the goods are shipped. A payment of KES 5,000 (approx. $70) application fee is paid to customs.
•  However, the total amount payable is usually 2.75% of CIF whichever is higher. If the KES 5,000 fee is less than the 2.75% amount then the difference will be paid at the time of import

• On payment of this amount the importer liaises with the supplier to arrange for inspection by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) or its appointed agent at the country of origin.
•  A Certificate of Conformity (CoC) will then be issued to the supplier/importer which will form part of the clearing documents… however the UN and NGO’s are exempt from these procedures

Exemption Certificate Application Procedure: 

All imports will normally be cleared from customs on presentation of the documents listed below. Please not that not all of the following documents may be required.

Process to be followed (step by step or flowchart)

STEP 1 - MINISTRY OF DEVOLUTION & PLANNING – SPECIAL PROGRAMMES

• Documents are lodged at Mr. Salim Molla’s office. Who marks them out to drafting.
• Docs received and drafted by the secretaries.
• Docs are then passed on to Mr. Salim Molla’s for signing.
Average days taken = 2 to 3 days.

STEP 2 - THE NATIONAL TREASURY

• Docs are received at the PS’s office, registered and marked out to Mr.W.Mwambia.
• Docs are received at Mr.Mwambia’s office and registered then marked out to Mr.Omenda.
• Docs are received by Mr.Omenda’s office who mark’s them out to Ms. Jackie for drafting.
• Docs are drafted and returned to Mr.Omenda for proof reading and approval.
• Docs are then printed and sent to Mr.Mwambia’s office for signature.
• Upon signing the exemptions are sent to Ms.Jackie for dispatch to Customs.

Average days taken = 4- 5 days.

Exemption Certificate Document Requirements

Customs Clearance

General Information 

Customs Clearance Document Requirements

Transit Regime

• Upon request to and authorization by the Commissioner of Customs, Customs Officers can be deployed to any border crossing of interest at the client's own cost,

• i.e. El-Wak border crossing shared with Somalia. It is advisable that all required documentation for customs clearance be ready, by the client and its appointed C&F agent, prior to departure of cargo from the point of origin

• The estimated time for Customs clearance, for overland road transport is one to two days, provided that all necessary documentation is in order.

• This suggested time also includes the cargo verification time by the Customs and Police officers against the established transport and clearing documentation. The verification process for relief cargo is not as involving as for commercial cargo

• Traffic congestion resulting in clearance delays may occur at the big (in terms of volume) border posts, such as in Malaba (main Kenya – Uganda border, serving not only Uganda but also Rwanda, Burundi, DRC and southern Sudan).

• The time delays are estimated to be about one day although, most delays and congestion are related to clearing documentation that is not in order, for example or the huge volume of traffic at the border post of Malaba where Customs clears cargo transported by both rail and road

• In general, the Customs rules are very detailed and are implemented through multiple forms. Import and export delays may therefore occur at the major and busy entry and exit points that could affect the smooth running of operations, i.e. Mombasa and Malaba.

• All transit goods are declared at point of import and travel under bond where the customs will validate and discharge the documentation and at point of exit from Kenya, this is a relatively uncomplicated process and works well

• The Government has implemented a programme of streamlining its Customs department operations called “single window” so as to become more user-friendly by reducing the number of required forms and procedural stages and to maximize the revenue collection

 For information on contact details, please see the following link:

4.2.1 Kenya Government Contact List