By Issa Hussein - Reporter
Kenya, 28 May 2026 - Kenya has exported its first consignment of Aflasafe to Uganda in a major step towards strengthening regional efforts to combat aflatoxin contamination in food crops.
The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), through its Aflasafe Modular Manufacturing Plant at KALRO Katumani, flagged off 25 tonnes of the biocontrol product destined for Uganda’s National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO).
The consignment was officially flagged off by Institute Director Dr Racheal Kisilu on behalf of KALRO Director General Dr Patrick Ketiem.
Speaking during the event, KALRO said the shipment marks a significant milestone in regional collaboration aimed at addressing aflatoxin contamination, which continues to threaten food safety, public health and agricultural trade across East Africa.
“The shipment marks a major milestone in the ongoing regional collaboration between Kenya and Uganda to combat aflatoxin contamination, a serious challenge affecting food safety, public health and agricultural trade across East Africa,” the organisation said in a statement.
KALRO noted that the distribution of Aflasafe in Uganda is expected to help farmers reduce aflatoxin levels in staple crops such as maize and groundnuts, improving food quality and increasing market access for agricultural produce.
“The distribution of Aflasafe is expected to help farmers reduce aflatoxin levels in staple crops such as maize and groundnuts, thereby improving food quality and market access,” the organisation said.
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The research body further emphasised the need for stronger regional partnerships in agricultural research and technology transfer to protect food systems across the region.
“This initiative underscores the importance of strengthening research partnerships, technology transfer and sustainable agricultural innovations to safeguard food systems within the region,” KALRO stated.
The organisation added that the development positions KALRO Katumani as an emerging regional hub for aflatoxin management technologies.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by Deputy Institute Director Peter Kibet, Director for Planning, Performance Management and Quality Control Dr Mumina, Director for Partnership and Business Development Dr Makelo, alongside other staff members.
Aflatoxin contamination remains a major challenge in East Africa, with experts warning that exposure to contaminated food can cause serious health complications and economic losses due to rejected produce in local and international markets.
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