Kenya's horticulture exports earned Sh90b, says CS Willy Bett

The Government is working round the clock to reduce the level of potentially harmful chemicals in horticulture exports.

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Willy Bett and Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (Kephis) boss Esther Kimani  said the country’s horticulture sector suffered massive losses after the European Union (EU) set new trading requirements in 2014.

The EU regulations, which were developed out of consumer preferences in Europe, accused local companies of exporting produce that contained high levels of Maximum Residual Limits (MRLs). The accusations led to an export ban that affected at least 5,000 horticulture farmers and 11 horticulture firms.

Bett and Kimani however reported that a majority of horticulture farmers had since complied with the new regulations, which he said had resulted in increased business.

“Kenya earned over Sh90 billion in horticulture exports in the last financial year... our horticultural produce is still highly marketable in EU and other global markets,” explained the CS.

The Kephis boss further reported that products like French beans and peas in pods, which had been affected by the export ban, had been corrected to suit the needs of the high-end European market. Bett advised farmers to adhere to global agricultural practices to avoid ‘sneaking in’ consignments that violated the EU requirements.

“Traders and dealers in horticulture must always put the needs of the country ahead of their personal business needs; the reputation of Kenya's horticulture sector depends entirely on good business practices,” advised the CS.

Kimani added that Government agencies including Kephis, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (Karlo) and Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) were working round the clock to enhance compliance with safe agricultural practices. She said the agencies had partnered to provide pest-free areas to ensure safe production of horticultural produce.

Bett and Kimani spoke in Kaptel in Nandi County where they sensitised the local community on the need to venture into avocado farming.
Kimani said demand for avocado had peaked in the EU and Middle East, as a fruit or an ingredient for beauty products.