Kenya pushes EU to ease tough regulations amid export slump

Workers at Maridadi flower farm in Naivasha pick roses for export. [File, Standard] 

Kenya is pushing for a review of the European Union’s tough regulations on its horticultural exports, which officials say are hurting trade and prompting the country to explore alternative markets.

The EU’s stricter limits on pesticide residues in crops have made it harder for Kenyan produce to access the bloc, driving the country to seek alternative destination markets such as Kazakhstan, China, and Middle Eastern.