A Phytosanitary Certificate is an official document issued by the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) to certify that export consignments of plants, plant products, and fresh produce are free from pests and diseases and meet the plant health requirements of the importing country. It is a mandatory export document under the Plant Protection Act (Cap 324) and is required for all fresh produce leaving Kenya, including flowers, vegetables, fruits, and other horticultural products.
KEPHIS revised its phytosanitary service fees in December 2024, with new charges taking effect from 1 December 2024 and applying to goods transported by both sea and air.
Phytosanitary Certificate Fees (Effective December 2024)
| Fee Component | Amount (KES) |
|---|---|
| Phytosanitary Certificate (per consignment) | 500 |
| Inspection Fee (fresh produce export) | KES 0.50 per kg (minimum KES 100) |
| Small consignment quality examination | 5,000 per consignment |
| Container Inspection — 20-ft container | 500 |
| Container Inspection — 40-ft container | 1,000 |
| Vessel Inspection — small vessel (under 10,000 MT) | 1,000 |
| Vessel Inspection — large vessel (over 10,000 MT) | 5,000 |
| Empty vessel inspection | 10,000 |
Application Process
Fresh produce exporters must be registered with KEPHIS as exporters of agricultural produce. Applications for phytosanitary certificates are processed through the KEPHIS online portal, with inspections conducted at the point of export (JKIA, Port of Mombasa, or other designated entry/exit points). KEPHIS has automated the issuance of phytosanitary certificates and ePhytos for exports, which are transmitted electronically to the receiving country via secure protocol.
Contact: KEPHIS, Off Waiyaki Way, Loresho, P.O. Box 49592-00100, Nairobi | Tel: 0722 206 986
