In a proactive measure to prevent the spread of the Banana Bunchy Top Disease (BBTD), the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), with support from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and USDA funding, conducted a specialized training for 34 phytosanitary inspectors. The training comes amidst growing concern following recent cases of the virus in Tanzania and Western Uganda. Despite several surveillances since 2021, the virus has not been detected in Kenya.
KEPHIS Managing Director, Prof. Theophilus Mutui, officially opened the training, stressing the importance of vigilance at border points, where the movement of banana planting materials could introduce the virus into the country. The training equipped inspectors with skills in BBTD symptom recognition, transmission and spread prevention, and the use of modern digital tools like ODK, APP, and molecular diagnostics for on-field testing.
This initiative aims to strengthen Kenya’s preparedness against emerging pests and diseases, further safeguarding the country’s banana sector.
