On December 5, 2024, Bungoma County with the support of the NICE project marked a significant advancement with the official launch of the Bungoma Food Safety Policy 2023. This event was attended by key partners and stakeholders, with Eng. Herbert Kibunguchy, the County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, serving as the distinguished guest of honor.
The policy is driven by the vision of “Safe food for a healthy, wealthy county,” reflecting a robust commitment to ensuring the availability of safe and high-quality food for Bungoma county. This initiative is essential not only for enhancing public health but also for fostering economic stability within the region.
Prior to the launch, the conditions surrounding food safety in Bungoma County were concerning. Despite the involvement of various governmental agencies in food safety regulations, a lack of coordination led to significant challenges, including foodborne illnesses and rejections of food exports. These issues posed serious risks to public health and undermined the reputation of the county’s food industry.
In response to these pressing challenges, The NICE Project in collaboration with the county government initiated the development of a comprehensive Food Safety Policy. This process began with the establishment of a dedicated Technical Working Group, tasked with conducting in-depth research and analysis to identify and address the current gaps in food safety management.
Engagement with various stakeholders, including farmers, vendors, and health officials, through focused discussions allowed the Technical Working Group to incorporate diverse perspectives and insights into the draft policy. The final draft underwent extensive consultations and received feedback from a broad array of stakeholders, ensuring that it adequately reflected the needs and priorities of the community.
Following its approval by the County Executive Committee, the policy was subsequently submitted to and approved by the County Assembly. The development process underscored the principles of participation, transparency, and accountability, which are essential for the effective implementation of such initiatives.
As the county prepares to implement this policy, a participatory implementation plan will be developed, overseen by the County Food Safety Coordination Committee. This plan aims to integrate the policy within the county’s Result-Based Monitoring and Evaluation Framework, facilitating the measurement of progress and ensuring continued relevance and effectiveness.
The launch of the Bungoma Food Safety Policy 2023 represents a pivotal step toward improving food safety standards, fostering a collaborative environment, and enhancing the overall health and safety of the community.
