Seed quality, sanitary and phytosanitary standards are foundational to agricultural development, biodiversity preservation and global food security, especially in the wake of climate change. As trade in plant products continues to grow across borders, challenges such as emerging pests, regulatory gaps, and inconsistencies in testing methodologies pose risks to biosecurity and seed system efficiency. This calls for dialogue among the key stakeholders to revitalize resilience. Owing to its strategic location and status as a regional phytosanitary leader, Kenya, through KEPHIS will host the conference that will serve as a platform for advancing global and regional cooperation on seed and plant health matters, in line with the mandates of international organizations such as the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA), the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), Union for protection of plant varieties (UPOV) and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Seed Schemes and Fresh fruit and vegetable schemes.
The Government of Kenya, Partners, KEPHIS and COPE have planned for the International Phytosanitary and Seed Quality Conference from 14th to 17th September 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya whose theme is “Revitalizing phytosanitary and seed systems for climate resilient and sustainable agriculture”. This event will bring together stakeholders in seed, plant health and trade to foster dialogue and knowledge exchange, among others. The conference will align with global goals to improve agricultural productivity, ensure plant health, and facilitate safe trade.
This conference will bring together private and public, national, regional and international stakeholders in phytosanitary and seed quality to discuss current affairs and share experiences in matters affecting the industry. Delivery at the conference will be through
identified strategic world-renowned keynote speakers and well-vetted oral and poster presentations aligned with identified thematic areas. Alongside the conference, there shall be side events, field excursions, and exhibitions to display the array of efforts and experiences gained in the industry.
2. OVERALL OBJECTIVE
To provide an opportunity for the phytosanitary and seed sectors to share experiences and to gain new knowledge, achievements, challenges, opportunities and solutions.
Specific Objectives
- To strengthen and advance plant health systems that safeguard agricultural ecosystems, promote biosecurity and facilitate safe trade.
- To promote the harmonization of seed quality and phytosanitary standards at global and regional levels.
- To facilitate knowledge sharing on innovations in phytosanitary and seed certification compliance
- To strengthen national, regional, and international collaborations on seed, sanitary and phytosanitary matters.
- To share experiences and lessons learned in regulatory implementation and capacity development.
- To develop policy recommendations and actionable frameworks for safer and more efficient trade.
3. THEMATIC AREAS
In order to ensure that the objectives of the conference are achieved, various components of phytosanitary and seed systems and emerging areas have been organised into thematic areas. Discussions around these thematic areas are expected to provide a platform for exchange/ sharing of experiences so as to enhance mitigation measures towards the identified challenges.
The thematic areas are:
- Plant health and food safety systems: Managing risks and protecting plant resources.
- Technological innovations in plant health, food safety and seed quality for sustainable agriculture
- Safe trade and market access for plants, plant products and regulated articles
Seed quality, variety development, registration and associated systems - Policy and regulatory frameworks for food safety, plant health and seed quality assurance
- Cross cutting issues in plant health, food safety and seed quality assurance
4. PARTICIPANTS
The conference targets over 150 participants drawn from scientific research institutions, government agencies (public), policy makers, private agricultural industry players, institutions of higher learning, international agencies, donor agencies, among others.
5. LANGUAGE
The key language of communication during the conference shall be English and Kenyan Sign Language.
6. COST PER PARTICIPANT
Registration fees: Delegates US$ 300; Corporate max of 3 participants US$ 750 (to include meals [2 teas and lunch], bag, stationery, cocktail, abstract book, transport for field visit). Exhibitors US$ 400.
For late registration, delegates will be charged US$350 and Late exhibitors will be charged US$550.
7. ACCOMODATION
Accommodation is available at KEPHIS on a first come first served basis. Rates: Half Board at USD 60 per person per day for residents. For reservations, contact the conference secretariat (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.).
Alternative accommodation can be found at KCB Leadership Center. For more information on KCB Leadership Center, kindly call Reservations on 0798325427.
Accomodation facilities can be also found in the neighbouring Karen suburb.
8. EXHIBITION BOOTHS
Twenty booths will be available for displaying products or services relevant to the concerned event. 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.
9. ABSTRACTS
Prospective participants are expected to submit their abstracts by 30 June, 2026. The abstracts should meet the following specifications: language: english, Microsoft Word (*.doc), font: Times New Roman, Font size: 12, indicate name(s), affiliations/institutions, 6 keywords, one paragraph of 300 words. The abstract topics and contents should fall within the thematic areas. The abstracts should be sent to 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.; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Abstracts will be typically selected for oral presentations (15 minutes).
10. POSTERS
Due to the event’s limited time, some abstracts will be presented as posters during specially organized poster sessions.
11. SIDE EVENTS
There will be side events linked to various Seed quality issues, targeting journalists professionals in the seed industry, farmers, youth, women and industry players.
12. CONTACT
For more information/ further guidance, please contact: The Secretariat:
Email: 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.