Kenya gains low-risk EU status as deforestation law takes effect

Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe during a meeting at Kilimo House.

Kenya has been classified as a low-risk country under the European Union's new deforestation regulations, a move that offers relief to exporters concerned about rising compliance costs.

The EU classification, which places countries into three categories, namely low-risk, standard-risk, and high-risk countries, is based on trends in deforestation, agricultural expansion, legal frameworks, and enforcement practices.

A low-risk designation means that products from that country are unlikely to be linked to deforestation.

The announcement followed a high-level meeting at Kilimo House between Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe and EU Ambassador to Kenya Henriette Geiger.

Kagwe welcomed the recognition, noting that Kenya's growing tree cover, partly driven by expanded avocado and coffee farming, has contributed to reforestation efforts.

However, he expressed concern about the new EU deforestation law, warning that shifting compliance requirements could threaten Kenya's competitiveness in European markets if not matched with adequate support.

"If you must shift the goalpost, provide support. These regulations increase the cost of production for Kenyan farmers," the CS said, referencing the recent introduction of the deforestation law shortly after Kenya had successfully implemented FCM Protocol for rose flower exports.

Ambassador Geiger noted that Kenya's environmental progress, especially the expanding tree cover, earned it the favorable classification.

She also assured that Kenya would not face stricter assessments under the new rules and said the EU would continue engaging partners on the law's real-world impacts.

The meeting saw senior officials from the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) and the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) discuss ways to enhance agricultural trade and address regulatory hurdles.

A key highlight was a positive report on Kenya's rose flower exports to Europe. KEPHIS revealed there were no interceptions last month and only one this month, following the implementation of the FCM protocol.

Kenya exports more than 60 million stems of cut roses to the EU and UK daily.

However, exporters raised concerns about the current 25 percent sampling rate for flower consignments. KEPHIS has appealed for the rate to be reduced to between 5 and 10 percent and called for additional inspectors to improve efficiency.