Clearing agents at the Busia-Uganda border have gone on strike following complaints of increased Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (Kephis) fees and frequent stealing of Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) seals.
In a video shared on social media, an eyewitness was heard stating that operations at the border were halted following frustrations at the entry point where Kephis fees were increased.
“Nothing is going on at the Busia border. People are on strike and empty vehicles are directed to pay Ksh 1,000,” he said.
The strike paralyzed operations at the entry point affecting the entry and exit of vehicles carrying commodities.
He also questioned why empty vehicles were required to pay the Kephis fees despite having no cargo.
“For that reason, even, incoming vehicles should not be allowed in. Some vehicles are empty, yet they are asked to pay Kephis fees. If empty vehicles are not being allowed in due to Kephis fees, then no vehicle should be allowed to pass through the border. Work is at a halt at Busia Border Point,” he added
Kephis Fees at Busia and Other Entry Points
In June 2024, Kephis introduced new fees for exporters and importers of agricultural products effective June 15 for phytosanitary services. The fees are applied to various aspects of produce, products, vessels, and aircraft.
Exporters were required to obtain a phytosanitary certificate and undergo inspection before products were exported. The charges were set at 50 cents per kilogram with a minimum charge of Ksh100.
Furthermore, traders were required to pay another Ksh500 for every phytosanitary certificate.
Moreover, on imported agricultural products, KEPHIS required a plant import permit and inspection certificate. The rate was set at 50 cents per kilogram and an additional Ksh600 per plant permit.
What Is Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS)?
Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) is a government institution with the mandate to ensure plant health and quality assurance in the agricultural sector in the country.
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KEPHIS was first established under the State Corporations Act in 1996 and later formed under the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service Act 2012.
Moreover, its mission is to provide a science-based regulatory service by assuring plant health, quality of agricultural inputs and produce for food security, globally competitive agriculture, and sustainable development.
Also Read: Govt Announces New Import Fees for Select Products
It remains to be seen whether the government will resolve the issue at the Busia border point as stakeholders protest the increase of Kephis fees and empty vehicles being directed to pay the amount as well.
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