In October 2025, the Centre of Phytosanitary Excellence (COPE) conducted a training on OECD Seed Certification Protocols and ISTA Laboratory Seed Testing Standards in Asmara, Eritrea. The 5-day training, held from 20th to 24th October, brought together nine participants drawn from the Regulatory Services Department, the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI), and the Extension Department. The sessions combined theoretical presentations and practical demonstrations on seed sampling, purity analysis, germination, and moisture testing. The participants engaged actively, sharing experiences from their respective departments and discussing challenges faced in seed certification and testing. The interactive sessions emphasized the importance of adopting international standards to enhance seed quality assurance in Eritrea. By the end of the training, participants had gained valuable skills and a deeper understanding of OECD and ISTA protocols, fostering a strong commitment to strengthen the country’s seed regulatory system.

From February 24th to 28th, 2025, the Center of Phytosanitary Excellence (COPE) held a one-week training on the implementation of ISO 17025:2017 for KMFRI staff at KEPHIS HQ. The training comprised both theoretical and practical sessions.

Trainees were guided through theory and hands-on exercises on implementation of the ISO 17025:2017 standard. They learned about content selection, verification, validation, and the measurement of uncertainty. At the end of the training, participants were awarded certificates in recognition of their successful completion of the training.

This training highlighted COPE’s vital role in building phytosanitary capacity by equipping the trainees with the necessary skills to enhance laboratory quality management and compliance with international standards.

In the month of September 2025, COPE, with the support of the Horticulture Compliance Project, conducted a training on the Systems Approach and Compliance to EU Regulations for rose cut-flower growers in various regions. The sessions, which combined both theoretical and practical components, were held at Lake Naivasha Resort and Lakeside Hotel on 11th and 12th September respectively, attended by a total of 109 participants; Nakuru on 11–12 September attended by 116 participants; Laikipia (Rumuruti) on 16 September attended by 30 participants; Timau on 17 September with 84 participants; Eldoret on 17 September with 33 participants; Nairobi (Isinya) on 18 September with 32 participants; and Nairobi (Thika) on 18–19 September attended by 52 participants.

The objective of the training was to build the capacity of growers on the False Codling Moth Systems Approach (FCMSA), share compliance requirements under EU regulations, and prepare the industry for the upcoming DG SANTE audit scheduled for October 2025. Presentations covered interception and rejection trends, root cause analysis, greenhouse integrity, packhouse quality control, and risk profiling.

The sessions were highly interactive, with farmers sharing practical measures like vent blocking, greenhouse checks, sanitation schedules, and staff motivation. Participants agreed that compliance is a shared responsibility requiring teamwork and proactive action.

The deputy directors urged participants to become agents of change by applying the lessons learned to safeguard Kenya’s rose export market.

Naivasha

Nakuru

 Laikipia, Rumuruti

Timau

From January 13th to 24th, 2025, the Center of Phytosanitary Excellence (COPE) held a two-week training on seed traceability and certification systems for six SARIS. Held at KEPHIS HQ and Nakuru, the training included theoretical sessions and hands-on fieldwork on seed certification, quality assurance, and automation.

Field visits to ISTA-accredited labs and private seed facilities in Nakuru offered practical experience. This training enhanced participants' skills to strengthen seed systems and concluded with certificate awards, showcasing COPE’s dedication to building regional phytosanitary capacity.