Food businesses in Kenya operate within a complex multi-agency regulatory framework. Understanding your obligations under KEBS, the Ministry of Health, and the AFA is essential to avoid sanctions and protect your business.
Food law is an emerging and rapidly developing area in Kenya. Businesses involved in the production, importation, distribution, or sale of food products must navigate a multi-layered regulatory framework involving several agencies, each with distinct mandates and enforcement powers.
Key Regulatory Bodies
- Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) — Sets and enforces standards for food products including labelling, packaging, composition, and quality. Products must bear the KEBS Diamond Mark of Quality for certain categories.
- Ministry of Health / Kenya Food and Drugs Authority (KFDA) — Oversees food safety, hygiene standards, and the registration and approval of food products for sale in Kenya.
- Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) — Regulates specific agricultural commodities including tea, coffee, sugar, and horticulture.
- Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) — Regulates seeds, plant varieties, and the importation and exportation of plant materials.
Core Compliance Obligations
Food businesses must typically:
- Register food premises with the relevant authorities
- Obtain product registration or approval before market entry
- Comply with labelling standards (including ingredients, nutritional information, allergens, and country of origin)
- Maintain hygiene and HACCP standards
- Comply with import and export inspection requirements
A Pioneer Practice Area
Hassan & Taragon Advocates LLP has developed specialist expertise in food law — an area that is still nascent in Kenya but increasingly important as the food and agribusiness sector grows. We advise food manufacturers, importers, distributors, and agribusinesses on regulatory compliance, licensing, and food-related disputes.
Contact us at office@htadvocates.com to discuss your food law requirements.