Kenya's horticulture exporters turn to new markets as EU tighten rules

A worker from Naivasha based Maridadi flower farm works on roses for exports on 11/2/21 ahead of Valentine which will be marked on Sunday. Despite the Covid-19 regulations in Europe, the demand for the roses has shot up compared to last year despite the negative effects of the pandemic on the sector. [Antony Gitonga]

Kenya’s horticulture exporters are increasingly exploring alternative markets in Asia, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe as trading with the European Union becomes more complex and costly.

Europe remains Kenya’s largest and most profitable destination for flowers, fruits, and vegetables. However, stricter rules on plant health, pesticide use, and environmental compliance have raised operational costs for exporters and made market access more challenging. As a result, many exporters are diversifying their destinations to reduce risk and protect earnings.