New standards set for Kenya fruits and vegetable exports

The Kenya horticulture sector is set to undergo major changes as the country fights to consolidate its international markets, the Fresh Produce Exporters Association of Kenya (FPEAK) Chairman Apollo Owuor told a gathering of exporters in Nairobi last week.

Mr Owuor was introducing newly-appointed Chief Executive Officer of the 148-member association, Mr Hosea Machuki who will lead the efforts to put fruits, vegetables and herbs under a new standard, the KS 1758 Part Two - Fruits and Vegetables under regulations that must be proved before being allowed to handle export produce.

Kenya has since 2012 faced challenges in the EU over excess pesticides and quarantine pests that has cost the country billions in export losses leading to the new development. "We have spent the last five years developing systems to ensure that the challenges of excess pesticides and presence of quarantine pests does not haunt the industry again," said Mr Owuor at an FPEAK members meeting that was convened to update the growers on the measures.

The KS 1758 Part Two will be rolled out next month together with an umbrella council created by the Kenya Flower Council and FPEAK to enable the horticulture industry articulate sector concerns jointly. Initially, the Flower Council and FPEAK dealt with sub-sector matters individually leading to delays in responding as well as increased costs, said the Interim Chair of the Kenya Horticulture Council Richard Fox.

Latest data indicates the sector earned Ksh102.5 billion, in foreign exchange earnings, the second largest after tea with a 10 per cent steady growth despite the many challenges, with a GDP contribution of Ksh 200 billion. "We can export more since the demand in the markets is high. With the drought of 2016-2017 hitting production, we must employ measures to ensure our volumes stay constant and on the rise for markets reliability.

"The American market is ready for our produce, and with the launching of direct flights to Washington, we should tap this market by training growers and exporters on the necessary requirements," added Mr Machuki who disclosed that Kenya's avocados and mangoes have massive opportunities in the US.

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Bob Koigi
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