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a. Outline the major agencies that deals with food standardization and regulation in Kenya
- Ministry of Health
The Ministry of Health is a government body set up with the mandate of stewardship and leadership of the health sector. The mission is to contribute to socio-economic development and the development of a local health industry by promoting health and vitality through access to quality health for all people living in Kenya. Laws governing the body:
- The Public Health Act Cap 242,
- Food, Drug and Chemical Substances Act Cap 254 and
- Radiation Protection Act Cap 243
These Acts are implemented by the Ministry of Health officials at the ports of entry.
- Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Services
Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service is the government parastatal whose responsibility is to assure the quality of agricultural inputs and produce to prevent adverse impact on the economy, the environment and human health. KEPHIS mandate includes undertaking inspections, testing, certification, quarantine control, variety testing and descriptors of seeds and plant materials. The laws under this include:
- Agriculture Act Cap 318,
- Plant Protection Act Cap.324 (in case of fruits & vegetables) and
- Seeds & Plant Varieties Act Cap 326
They are implemented by KEPHIS at the ports of entry.
- Kenya Bureau of Standards
A government agency responsible for governing and maintaining the standards and practices of metrology in Kenya. It was established by an Act of Parliament of Kenya's National Assembly, The Standard Act, and Chapter 496 of the Laws of Kenya.
- Dairy Board
The Dairy Act Cap 336 is implemented by Kenya Dairy Board in liaison with KEBS at the port of entry. The body is responsible for ensuring safe and wholesome dairy products released to the market.
- Kenya Meat Commission
The Kenya Meat Commission (KMC) was formed in 1950 through an act of parliament with an objective of providing a ready market for livestock farmers and providing high quality meat and meat products to consumers.
The Acts governing the body include:
- The Meat Control Act Cap 356,
- Fisheries Act Cap. 378 and
- Animal diseases Act Cap 364,
- The Pig Industry Act Cap 361
They are implemented by the Kenya Meat Commission in liaison with KEBS at the port of entry
- Department of Veterinary Services
The aim is to ensure meat products are wholesome for consumption. The Acts implemented by this department include:
- Meat Control Act Cap 356
- Animal Health Act Cap 364
- Fertilizer and Animal Feedstuff Act Cap 345
- Dairy Act Cap 336
- Crop Production and Livestock Ordinance Act Cap 321
iii. To encourage or undertake educational work in connection with the standardization. iv. To control, in accordance with the provisions of this act, the use of standardization marks and distinctive marks. v. To make arrangements or provide facilities for examination and testing of commodities and any material or substance from or with which and the manner in which they may be manufactured produced, processed or treated. vi. To provide for cooperation with the government or representatives of any industry or with any local authority or other public body or any other person, with a view of securing the adoption and practical application of standards. vii. To provide for testing at the request f or minister , and on behalf of the government, of locally manufactured and imported commodities with a view to determining whether such commodities comply with the provisions of this act or any other law dealing with standards of quality or description. viii. To make arrangements or provide facilities for the testing and calibration for the precision instruments, gauges and scientific apparatus, for the determination for their degree of accuracy by comparison with standards approved by minister on the recommendations other council, and for the issue of certificates in regard to thereto. ix. Putting stamp of approval to show the established standards have been made. x. Making regular inspection to ensure that the standards are adhered to. xi. Persecute those who violate the set standards. xii. Carrying out testing of measuring apparatus to relate them with accuracy level of established standards.
c. (^) Explain the duties and responsibilities of public health officers in Kenya
i. Inspection: Inspection for preventive maintenance in the Hospital, hospital sanitation, healthcare and waste management. This also include the building and construction sites, markets, food premises among others.
ii. Implementation: The officer has the following responsibilities in implementation;
- Implementing sanitation and hygiene standards in the Hospital.
- Implementing vector, vermin and rodent control measures.
- Implementing integrated mosquito control strategies.
- Implementation of all the Public Health Laws.
iii. Environmental health: Mobilizing, sensitizing and advising Hospital peripheral communities on matters related to environmental health. Identifying environmental health issues
iv. Research: Participating in research, teaching and supervising the performance of both medical and non-medical staff as well as students.
v. Administration: The following is what a public health officer will do;
- Participating in Administrative activities of the department.
- Participating in preparation of annual budgets for the department.
- (^) Participating in delivery of hospital strategic plan and performance contract.
- Supervision of staff under him/her
vi. Coordination of resources: Coordinate or combine the resources of health care institutions, social service organizations, public safety personnel, or other agencies to enhance the community health.
