The government of Kenya in partnership with African Union Commission (AUC), East African Community (EAC), TradeMark Africa (TMA), Microenterprises Support Programme Trust (MESPT), and Concern worldwide and other development partners organized and conducted a 3-day conference 5 to 7 June 2023 to commemorate World Food Safety Day in Nairobi, Kenya. Delegates were invited from across the African region representing over 30 member countries and 2 economic blocks. The objectives of this event were to:

• Create awareness of the importance of food standards in protecting consumer health and facilitating trade;
• Raise awareness of the importance of food safety to promote action to prevent, detect and manage foodborne risks;
• Provide a platform for sharing experiences and best practices on implementation and compliance with food safety standards and measures; and
• Foster collaboration and partnerships among stakeholders to amplify the impact of food safety interventions in Africa.

Ambassador Ole Thonke, Danish royal Embassy graced the occasion on 5 June as the chief guest. In his remarks he emphasised the role of food safety standards in driving economies and transforming lives.

TradeMark Africa Director Dr Andrew Edewa gave the opening remarks and outlined the objectives of the conference whose focus was to commemorate the WFSD with the theme ‘food standards saves lives’. CEO Micro Enterprises Support Program Trust (MESPT) Ms. Rebecca Amukhoye in her welcome remarks said that unsafe food is unacceptable and whereas foodborne illnesses have great negative impacts on human health and economies, food safety in Africa is yet to receive the political attention it requires. She emphasised on need for concerted efforts towards harmonised coordination of food safety at national and county levels.

Acting managing director, Kenya Bureau of Standards Mrs Esther Ngari during the opening gave a keynote address on role of standards in promoting local and international trade and protecting human health. She stated that the significance of this year’s theme cannot be overstated. It’s an urgent call, a beacon guiding our journey towards a world where every morsel of food nourishes and sustains rather than pose a threat to life. “It is time to turn insight into action. Upholding and enforcing food safety standards isn’t just a goal, it’s our shared responsibility. Ensuring food safety is not a privilege but a norm to be cultivated”, she said.

The continental event was opened through the remarks of Dr Godfrey Bahiigwa, AUC Director for Agriculture and rural development. In his remarks as presented by Mr. Chiluba Mwalipe, indicated the assurance that together as a continent, Africa can build a resilience in providing safe food for everyone everywhere. “The central role of standards in ensuring food safety thus reducing foodborne illness cannot be overlooked. Globalization has led to movement of food across the continent and the world and standards provide a level playing field for all”, he said.

Several panel discussions consisting of experts from across Africa were conducted, preceded by a keynote address and concluded with a question-and-answer session that engaged all the participants. The topics of discussion by the panels included

• Promoting evidence-based policies and regulatory mechanisms in Kenya to improve compliance for consumer protection and trade.
• The role of standards in reducing the foodborne disease burden in Africa
• Role of government in assuring food safety- Food Safety Policy and Legal frameworks, Food Regulation and Place of Standards
• The Role of Food Standards in Africa’s Trade and Development
• Innovations and role of science in influencing policy and practice in addressing food safety issues
• Promoting Safe Food Trade in the AfCFTA: Advancing Standards for a Sustainable Future.

The climax of the conference was reached on 7 June during when the Codex VC Dr. Allan Azegele addressed the delegates. The national event was opened by Principal Secretary, State department for public health Ms Mary Muriuki on behalf of the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Health. This was preceded by remarks from the EAC Director, productive sectors, Mr. John Baptiste and principal secretaries for state department for medical services Mr. Harry Kimtai as well as representatives of Principal Secretaries for Crops Development and Livestock development.

Dr Azegele was the keynote speaker on promoting safe food trade in AfCFTA: Advancing standards for a sustainable future. His address was followed by a panel discussion comprising of the members of National Codex Committee (Dr Kimutai Maritim, Ms. Lucy Namu), Codex Contact Point (Ms Maryann Kindiki), and the CCFRICA coordinator (Mr. Hakim Mufumbiro). In his keynote address, Dr Azegele emphasised on the need for African countries to participate in the Codex Standard setting process as the only way for Africa ‘to be on the table rather than on the menu’.

The conference concluded with the signing of a joint communique and Food Safety commitment statements agreed upon during the 3-day event. The resolutions were signed by AUC, ECOWAS, EAC and Government of Kenya.

Photo © Codex Kenya
Caption: SIGNING OF THE COMMINIQUE (EAC, AUC, GOVERNMENT OF KENYA, ECOWAS)