Kenya to conduct tests on fish exports

Tuesday, June 11, 2013 — updated on December 15, 2020 - 2 min read

A farmer in Embu feeds fish at a pond. Fish produced in the country will soon have to clear with the Kenya Accreditation Service (Kenas) for it to be allowed for export, in line with global quality standards. Photo/Charles Wanyoro

Fish produced in the country will soon have to clear with the Kenya Accreditation Service (Kenas) for it to be allowed for export, in line with global quality standards.

Kenas will also certify fishing vessels, methods of fishing and processing details to stamp out illegal fishing practices.

This follows a proposed European Union (EU) guideline four years ago requiring imported seafood to be accompanied by a “catch certificate” from a competent authority to help curb illegal fishing, especially in the Indian Ocean waters.

There have also been safety concerns in the European market after finding traces of toxic mercury in Kenyan fish.

Speaking on Monday during the 5th World Accreditation Day, Kenas Chairperson Marion Mutugi said the agency was keen on reversing the dwindling fish and flower exports through accreditation services.

“We shall conduct tests and offer accreditation services to the conformity assessment bodies (CABs) in these sectors so as to prevent any future loss,” she said.

Prof Mutugi said the Kenya Bureau Standards (KEBS) had limited itself to issuing a health certificate after having tested the fish for banned ingredients in the EU without focusing on the fishing methods.

The number of accredited conformity assessment bodies in the country has since grown to 20 up from five in 2009.

The Cabinet Secretary for Industrialisation and Enterprise Development Adan Mohamed commended Kenas for having boosted the country’s trade, especially in the East African market as a result of enhanced quality practices.

Trade among the five EAC partner states surged 96 per cent to Sh300 billion in five years to 2009.

In 2010 the EAC accounted for 53 per cent of Kenya’s total exports to the rest of Africa and 24 per cent of its total exports to the world.
Mr Mohamed urged businesses to adopt the culture of standards to improve quality of goods and services.

“This is vital because products and services that are exported should meet global standards for increased competitiveness,” he said.