Lifting restrictions may boost Kenyan products in Europe

He explains that the 10% reinforced checksmeant that 10% of the firm’s total shipments were subjected to lab tests, “Which means that the entire consignment was held bycustoms until the testing was done, when a decision was made on whether torelease the shipment to the consignee or to destroy it, depending on theoutcome of the lab test.”

The decision to consider Kenyan beans and other products as low risk in termsof MRLS and the ultimate lifting of the 10% reinforced checks is obviouslywelcome and a big relief to Kenyan exporters. “The positive remarks are quite encouragingto the entire Kenyan export market and obviously it’s expected that theindustry will grow bigger and stronger,” he states.

Mr Githae also assures that “We embarked on a consistent, vigorous campaign toeducate and enlighten all our growers on Good Agricultural Practices and,more importantly, on the safe use of the recommended pesticides and all itentails. As a result, we are able to maintain high quality standards for ourexport products, with the procurement of pesticides carried out exclusivelyfollowing advice from qualified technical assistants (agronomists).”

Regarding beans, which Summer Fresh Ltd. is currently exporting to Germany, Mr Githaesays that, so far, the season has been marked by low production due to rainsthat lasted until mid-June. “The low demand for beans that characterisedthe rainy season that normally begins on late March to mid-June has led to hugelosses in production, so we are hopeful that the situation will change for thebetter as we approach the summer season in Europe.”