From 5th to 19th May 2026, the Centre of Phytosanitary Excellence (COPE) hosted four delegates from South Sudan for a specialized capacity-building training on plant breeding and seed certification at KEPHIS headquarters and the Nakuru regional office. The training was organized to strengthen their knowledge and skills in seed systems and regulatory frameworks.

The program combined comprehensive theoretical sessions on seed certification, plant breeding, variety testing, and phytosanitary standards with practical, hands-on training. Participants engaged in field inspections, seed sampling and processing, and laboratory diagnostics, including testing for key plant diseases. They also visited farms, seed processing facilities, and export pack houses, gaining real-world exposure to Kenya’s seed quality assurance systems.

Through active participation and knowledge exchange, the delegates enhanced their technical capacity and gained valuable insights applicable to their home country. By the end of the training, they expressed appreciation for the experience and a strong commitment to applying the skills learned to improve seed quality systems and agricultural productivity in South Sudan.