KEPHIS team inspecting LARMAT labs
The Department of LARMAT laboratories are NEMA accredited and analyze soils and plant samples from within and out of the country. The Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), following requested to have soil samples analyzed in our LARMAT laboratories and a sent a team of Inspectors to our laboratories to conduct a “Quarantine Facility Inspection as per ISPM No 34”.
The inspection was carried out on Wednesday 15th February 2023. Chairman of LARMAT Department-Prof. Richard Onwonga, and the Chief Technologist, Mr. Stephen Tirop welcomed the KEPHIS team Led by KEPHIS Inspector-Mr. Ivan Obare to inspect LARMAT labs. With focus on Soil Chemistry Research Lab and Soil Microbiology Lab, he was assisted by Mr. Titus Kiilu and Ms. Philomena Muthoni.
Chairman, LARMAT discussing with KEPHIS inspectorate team
Chief Technologist explaining procedures in the Soil chemistry lab
Chief Technologist explaining procedures in the Soil microbiology lab.
Technologist, explains Microbiology SOPs
OBSERVATIONS
- The Team established that there is restricted and controlled entry into the Laboratories.
- That Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the different analyses are in place and being fully adhered to.
- That all Laboratory Staff use PPEs.
- That all the Laboratories have elaborate waste disposal systems-including an Incinerator and landfill at the faculty.
- That the Laboratories have well-kept records and were availed during inspection
- That sample tracking system is in place together with the Laboratory Information System (LIMS).
- That the Laboratories are NEMA Designated/Accredited.
- That Laboratories are managed by qualified and experienced staff.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The KEPHIS Inspection Team urged the Department of LARMAT to continue adhering to the procedures and standards.
That KEPHIS will facilitate the Client/Researcher by issuing a Plant Import Permit.
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