Kenya is accelerating regulatory and policy reforms, diversification and value addition to enhance the volume of horticultural products being exported as a move to boost the economy. Senoir officials made Public during a forum in Nairobi over the weekend.
As a move to increase revenue in the country, officials during a forum in Nairobi announced that the Kenyan government and industry partners are accelerating regulatory and policy reforms, diversification and value addition to boost the volume of horticultural products exported abraod.
The forum which was held over the weekend, drew near policymakers, industry executives, donors, researchers and farmers’ representatives, as they stressed that incentivizing horticulture farmers through reforms in key value chains, improved access to capital, capacity building and technology adoption will enhance the competitiveness of fresh produce in international markets.
According to the principal secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Paul Kipronoh Ronoh the government will assist smallholder farmers access credit, quality fertilizer and seed, market information and the ability to comply with phytosanitary requirements.
He added that Kenya in 2023, earned 156 billion shillings from the export of fresh horticultural products such as flowers, vegetables and fruits, boosting foreign currency reserves and job creation.
Adding a voice to this initiave, the acting director of the Horticultural Crops Directorate, Christine Chesaro, noted that the government and private sector partners will leverage research, innovations and international best practices to boost the export of cut flowers, avocado and French beans.
Lusike Wasilwa, director of crop systems at Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organization,as well noted that harnessing artificial intelligence could offer long-term solutions to challenges facing the horticulture sector
