How new safety rules will lock out millions of farmers from market

Fruits vendor in Kisii town. [File, Standard]

The government is planning to enforce stringent farm regulations that could prevent more than three million farmers from selling fruits and vegetables in the Kenyan market.

The mandatory rules, which the government has stated will be “anchored in law”, could mean only large-scale farmers, companies and importers will be permitted to supply fruit and vegetables in Kenya, with traders who buy produce from farmers who are nor certified risking stiff penalties.

The penalties will apply to middlemen, distributors, processors or any direct buyer who purchases fruits and vegetables from a farmer who has not been certified as having implemented the 55-page, mandatory, KS1758 Kenyan standard.