1. What is the role of KEPHIS?
KEPHIS is a regulatory state corporation mandated to carry out Seed certification, plant variety protection, Phytosanitary inspections and analysis of fresh produce samples and farm input quality.
2. How do I identify certified seed?
Certified seed can be identified by a label issued by KEPHIS showing that the seed has been certified.
3. Where do I purchase certified seed?
Certified seed can be purchased from KEPHIS licensed agro dealers.
4. What is the cost and duration of soil analysis?
The cost of a complete soil analysis is Ksh. 2,500 and it takes 10 Work days upon submission of a sample and signing of the contract.
5. How do I take a soil sample?
Soil sampling Should be done by Agricultural professional such as Agricultural extension officers and KEPHIS staff. Farmers can also sample with reference to the sampling guidelines available on KEPHIS website.
6. Can I submit a private sample for seed testing?
Yes farmers and other stakeholders can submit samples for seed testing at a cost of KES. 1,500/-
7. Where do I get certified fruit tree seedlings?
Certified fruit tree seed lings can be acquired from KEPHIS licensed nurseries listed in Our Website
8. How do I start a fruit tree seed ling nursery?
The nursery should be located near a clean source of water, adequate phytosanitary measures put in place such as fencing, pest and disease control, clean planting material & media.
The nursery should be registered with the county government and HCD.
9. is it possible to diagnose plant diseases in my farm?
Yes, KEPHIS officers can visit farmers in their field and diagnose plant diseases if necessary samples can be collected for Laboratory analysis.
10. Where are other KEPHIS offices located?
KEPHIS Headquarter is located in Karen, Nairobi. There are five regional offices located in Mombasa, Embu, Nakuru, Kisumu and Kitale; one plant quarantine and biosafety station at Muguga and 16 plant inspection units at JKIA, Eldoret, Naivasha, Isiolo, Timau, Nyeri, Lungalunga, Taveta, Namanga, Isebania, Kisumu, Busia, Malaba, Lwakhakha, Suam and Moyale.
11. Is KEPHIS the same as KALRO and Kenya Seed Company?
No KEPHIS is an autonomous state corporation under ministry of agriculture.
12. Does KEPHIS employ regularly?
KEPHIS advertises all career opportunities in its website.
13. Does KEPHIS offer internship opportunities?
Yes. However, all interns’ recruitment is through the Public service commission.
14. Does KEPHIS sell seeds?
No. KEPHIS certifies seed for all seed Companies in Kenya.
15. Does KEPHIS license sale of chemical pesticides in Kenya?
Licensing of chemical pesticides is done by the Pest control products Board (PCPB).
16. When do you normally send your project proposals?
This is done as per call for proposals sent from different donors.
17. To whom do you send your proposals to?
We send them to different donors when they call for proposals.
18. Where do you get ideas for proposals?
We get ideas for proposals from departmental funding gaps, and also issues affecting the agriculture sector that need intervention but was not previously budgeted for.
19. Are your proposals always successful?
Not Always.
20. What activities are funded by projects office?
Activities linked to KEPHIS mandate and those that meet the funding project objectives.
21. What kind of project proposals do you normally do?
Any linked to KEPHIS mandate and meet the donor requirements.
22. How long do the COPE courses take?
For more information visit www.africa-cope.org
23. How do I go about applying for the COPE courses?
For more information visit www.africa-cope.org
