From July 2017 to December 2025, the Strategic Sector Cooperation (SSC) Program for Food has focused on advancing food safety, enhancing quality, and building capacity in Kenya’s horticulture and livestock sectors, with particular attention to controlling residues and contaminants. Funded by the Embassy of Denmark and supported by the Danish Veterinary and Food Association, the program has implemented two pilot projects aimed at improving food safety standards and regulatory compliance in both sectors.

The horticulture pilot involved supporting five horticulture-producing cooperatives and a horticultural exporter to meet quality and safety standards, while the livestock pilot worked with four livestock cooperatives to align with new government regulations. Key deliverables include aiding national regulatory agencies (Central Competent Authorities (CCAs)), in establishing a training program for inspectors. This program utilizes a risk-based approach guided by ten principles of inspection, designed and endorsed under this initiative. Additionally, the SSC Program supported the formation of a Multi-Annual National Control Plan on Food Safety through a national steering committee.

Other efforts in the program included collaborative work with three livestock processors and one horticulture cooperative to create food safety interventions across these value chains. Specifically, the program selected a horticulture cooperative in Nyandarua County to lead food safety improvements, establishing contract farming schemes and linking farmers to markets. Comprehensive training was provided to farmers on enhancing productivity, quality, and safety, including meeting global standards.

Finally, the program facilitated the creation of two national technical committees (one for livestock and one for horticulture) composed of ministry officials and representatives from competent authorities to streamline food safety coordination at a national level.