The Canadian Government, in collaboration with TradeMark Africa, has donated aflatoxin decontamination plants to the National Cereals and Produce Board depots in Bungoma and Nairobi.
These advanced facilities, financed with Ksh190 million, aim to mitigate aflatoxin contamination in grains, especially maize.
The initiative seeks to bolster food security and facilitate trade in the East African region. Aflatoxins, classified as highly toxic by the World Health Organisation, pose severe health risks, including cancer, to both humans and animals.
The introduction of these pioneering decontamination units in Kenya marks a major milestone, representing the first instance of commercial use of such technology in Africa.
Capable of eliminating up to 98 percent of aflatoxins in food commodities like grains, pulses, and nuts, these units play a vital role in a region where maize serves as a staple food for approximately 300 million people.
The choice of Western Kenya for deploying the decontamination units is strategic, given its status as the nation’s grain basket and a key player in regional grain trade.
The region witnesses substantial grain inflows from Uganda (over 600,000 tonnes annually) and Tanzania (about 400,000 tonnes annually).
The deployment of the units is anticipated to ensure that only grains meeting acceptable aflatoxin limits are traded, a crucial step for public health and safe trade practices.
David Beer, CEO TradeMark Africa expressed optimism about the facility’s potential to expand trade opportunities and enhance food security.
He highlighted its impact in reducing aflatoxin contamination in post-harvest grains, consequently minimising rejections at borders. This approach is expected to benefit small-scale farmers, traders, as well as consumers, including schools, humanitarian agencies, and businesses.
Mr Beer said this initiative is in line with TradeMark Africa’s commitment to reducing trade barriers at borders.
Paul Ronoh, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Agriculture, stressed the importance of partnerships in addressing food security and safety issues across East Africa.
Dr Ronoh acknowledged the necessity of collaborations such as the one witnessed in the aflatoxin decontamination facilities, emphasising the importance of modern solutions.
The funding for this groundbreaking project is part of a larger Ksh 350 million package from Canada. The remaining funds are allocated for training and raising awareness about aflatoxins among regulatory agencies, farmers, and traders in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, focusing on managing aflatoxins in grain supplies.