Kenya is intensifying its efforts to increase its horticultural export market share in Italy by two percent, the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has confirmed. This move aligns with the country’s broader strategy to strengthen its presence in the European Union (EU) market by forging partnerships with key global marketing and trade agencies.
AFA Director General Dr. Bruno Linyiru emphasized Kenya’s established market share in the EU, largely attributed to its high-quality produce. Speaking during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Italy-based MACFRUIT trade fair and AFA, Dr. Linyiru noted that expanding into underexploited markets is central to Kenya’s export growth strategy.
“Kenya is targeting a substantial rise, aiming to reach approximately Sh3.6 billion in exports to Italy over the next five years,” Dr. Linyiru stated. However, he acknowledged the recent decline in Kenya’s horticultural export volume to the EU. The country’s exports fell from 213,178 metric tonnes valued at Sh80.3 billion in 2023 to 188,956 metric tonnes worth Sh71.8 billion in 2024.
The MoU with MACFRUIT is expected to open up more opportunities for Kenyan farmers and exporters, potentially boosting horticultural exports by more than five percent by 2030. Italy’s importance as a trading partner remains significant, currently ranking among Kenya’s top five export destinations, contributing three percent of export volume and two percent of export value in 2024.
Kenya’s horticultural exports are led by fruits, which account for 55 percent of total shipments, followed by flowers at 36 percent, herbs and spices at 18 percent, and vegetables at one percent. To maintain and improve these figures, the government is committed to upholding high standards through the Horticultural Code of Practice, ensuring compliance with EU requirements and enhancing product quality.
“We have implemented traceability systems to track products from the farm to their final destination, ensuring stringent quality control,” Dr. Linyiru added.
Horticultural Crops Directorate (HCD) Acting Director Christine Chesaro highlighted Kenya’s leadership in the EU market while acknowledging the need to tap into unexplored segments. Efforts to address challenges like the false codling moth (FCM), which has hindered some exports, are well underway.
“Over 70 percent of farmers are already on track to comply with the new EU regulations, ensuring that their products meet the required standards,” Chesaro said.
With these efforts, Kenya aims to solidify and expand its footprint in the EU’s lucrative horticultural market, providing more opportunities for local farmers and strengthening its agricultural export sector.
