KEPHIS is spearheading activities to mark the International Year of Plant Health (2020/2021) in Kenya. KEPHIS and COPE have organized a virtual 3rd Phytosanitary Conference from 13th to 16th September 2021 in Nairobi, Kenya. The theme of the conference is “Enhancing Phytosanitary Systems for Healthy Plants, Safe and Sustainable Trade”. This Conference will be in line with the celebrations of the International Year of Plant Health in 2020/2021.
Visit the 3rd Phytosanitary Conference Official Website for details. Conference Details:
Conference Venue: Virtual
Coordination Venue: KEPHIS Headquarters,
Oloolua Ridge-Karen,
Nairobi, Kenya
1. Introduction
Globally, pests and diseases affect the quality of crops and reduce crop production by 33% resulting in loss of income and disruptions of international markets, thus affecting trade between countries. To discuss such challenges; two phytosanitary conferences have been organized in 2016 and 2018, while in 2021 an international virtual phytosanitary conference will be held in line with the extended International Year of Plant Health.
KEPHIS as the organizers of these Phytosanitary Conferences notes that the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) specifies that countries have agreed to cooperate in the development of international standards. Consequently, the IPPC has established a programme to develop and adopt “International Standards on Phytosanitary Measures” (ISPM). The convention makes also provision for the application of phytosanitary measures by governments to protect their plant resources from harmful pests which may be introduced through international trade. Phytosanitary measures include any legislation, regulations, or official procedure aimed at preventing the introduction and spread of harmful pests.
The UN General Assembly adopted in December 2018 the resolution proclaiming 2020 as the International Year of Plant Health (IYPH). The IYPH is expected to increase awareness among the public and policymakers of the importance of healthy plants and the necessity to protect them in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals plus push the Global food security and nutrition agenda. Despite the increasing impact of plant pests and diseases, resources are scarce to address the problem. We hope the International Year of Plant Health will trigger greater global collaboration to support plant health policies at all levels, which will contribute significantly to the Sustainable Development Agenda. The International Year of Plant Health (IYPH) 2020 is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to raise global awareness on how protecting plant health can help end hunger, reduce poverty, protect the environment and boost economic development.
Therefore, it is proposed that an International virtual Phytosanitary Conference be held from 13th to 16th September, 2021 as a way to celebrate the International Year of Plant Health. KEPHIS/COPE have planned for this virtual International Phytosanitary Conference dubbed “3rd Phytosanitary Conference” whose theme is “Enhancing Phytosanitary Systems for healthy plants, safe and sustainable trade”. The venue will be virtual with conference coordination at KEPHIS headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. This conference will be held virtually due to the challenges of COVID-19.
2. Objectives
The Objectives of the conference are: to celebrate the International Year of Plant Health, to provide an opportunity to share achievements and challenges; create linkages; promote market access and identify potential areas of cooperation on phytosanitary regulation at regional and international levels.
3. Thematic Areas
(i) International Year of Plant Health; (ii) Pest Surveillance in Phytosanitary Systems; (iii) Import control and Export certification in phytosanitary systems; (iv) Pest diagnostics in phytosanitary systems; (v) Emerging innovations in phytosanitary systems; (vi) Industry role in the implementation of successful phytosanitary systems; (vii) Capacity building, regulatory framework, Trade negotiations and communication in phytosanitary systems. There will be pre-recorded practicals, speeches, posters and exhibitions during the conference.
4. Participants
Participants are expected to be over 150 participants from the government, policymakers, and horticultural industry. Specifically, delegates will be from National Plant Protection Organizations from Africa and beyond, government bodies (food safety, agricultural policy, horticulture and extension), Universities, farmer and exporter organizations, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), donor agencies and others.
5. Language
The major language of communication during the conference shall be English with translations to French being available.
6. Conference Registration Fee
US$ 20 [students], US$ 50 [normal delegates] & Corporate delegate [maximum three participants] US$100 registration fee. Contacts: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for registration details.
7. Posters
Participants are also invited to present a poster during the conference. You will be expected to send an abstract for the poster. Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for such registration into the session.
8. Exhibition
Online exhibition opportunities will be available during the conference to display products, services or any advertisement at a fee. Contacts: Participants are invited to register and share their online exhibition materials. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
9. Abstracts
Participants are invited to submit their abstract by 15th August 2021 through This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. This will be Microsoft Word (*.doc) within the 7 thematic areas; one paragraph of 300 words; font: times new roman: Font size 12; 6 keywords. The oral presentations will be approximately 15 minutes with data, experience or case studies in phytosanitary matters. The document should be named by the author's name with the content in English. Details of the abstract and presentation format to be made available by writing to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
10. Special session
There will be special sessions linked to various phytosanitary issues targeting journalists, farmers, youth, women and industry players. Contacts: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
11. Contacts
The Secretariat, 3rd Phytosanitary Conference,
KEPHIS Hq, Karen, Nairobi, Kenya
Website: www.kephis.org
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Click to DOWNLOAD The Conference Brochure
For more details: Visit the 3rd Phytosanitary Conference Official Website.