Dr. Paul Ronoh, Principal Secretary state Department for Agriculture
Kenya’s horticulture sector, a key player in the country’s agricultural economy, is facing mounting challenges that threaten its competitiveness in global markets. As the second largest foreign exchange earner for the country, horticulture raked in Ksh 157 billion in 2023, but market share in Europe has been shrinking, largely due to increased competition from countries like Morocco and Egypt, which benefit from proximity to European markets.
During the inauguration of the newly established National Horticulture Standing Committee, Agriculture Principal Secretary Dr. Paul Ronoh outlined strategic measures that aim to reverse the sector’s declining position. The task force, which is made up of senior executives from key horticulture institutions in the country, is expected to spearhead efforts to restore the industry to its former glory.
A critical area of focus for the new task force will be reducing the sector’s dependency on expensive air freight, which has significantly inflated the costs of exporting perishable goods. As global competition intensifies, Kenyan horticulture exporters are calling for a reduction in the high airfreight costs, which have placed them at a disadvantage. To address this, the committee will explore the use of sea freight, which is considerably cheaper, potentially lowering costs by up to 40-50 percent
The committee will also focus on addressing other systemic issues that have impeded the industry’s growth. Key among these is the need to reduce levies and taxes that have added financial burdens on farmers and exporters. These fiscal policies, stakeholders argue, have hurt the competitiveness of Kenyan produce in global markets. In addition to these structural changes, PS Ronoh emphasized the importance of involving growers in decision-making processes, as they are closest to the challenges faced in the fields.
In his address Dr. Ronoh recognized the critical role that agriculture plays in Kenya’s economy, particularly in rural employment, food security, and foreign exchange earnings. The horticulture sub-sector has demonstrated impressive growth, with production increasing at an average rate of 10 percent annually over the past decade. However, challenges such as climate change, pests and diseases, and market competition continue to threaten its long-term sustainability.
The recent logistical challenges posed by the Red Sea situation, which forced Kenyan exporters to reroute shipments through South Africa and West Africa, have exacerbated these problems. This forced detour lengthened transit times, especially for highly perishable goods, and placed additional pressure on airfreight costs. Dr. Ronoh acknowledged these difficulties and stressed the importance of the task force in finding practical solutions to mitigate such disruptions in the future.
The National Horticulture Standing Committee, which replaces the earlier Taskforce established in 2004, will also tackle pressing issues such as false codling moth infestations affecting fruits and flowers, maximum residue levels (MRLs) in beans and peas, and the need for market diversification. The committee aims to improve stakeholder engagement by ensuring that both public and private sector players work together effectively to support the sector’s growth.
The new committee will be chaired by Collins Marangu, the Agriculture Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, with Dr. Bruno Linyiru, Director General of the Agricultural and Food Authority (AFA), serving as the Vice-Chair. The committee includes leaders from prominent horticultural bodies such as the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), and the Kenya Flower Council (KFC), among others.
The committee’s mandate is far-reaching and includes tasks such as promoting enhanced production, improving market access, ensuring compliance with global quality standards, and addressing cross-cutting issues such as gender, climate change, and access to finance. Through its work, the committee seeks to foster a more competitive and resilient horticulture sector that can weather external shocks and continue to generate valuable foreign exchange for Kenya.
Moreover Dr. Ronoh urges the committee members to actively engage in their new roles, and by emphasizing the need for collaboration between the government, private sector, and development partners. He expressed confidence that with the right leadership and commitment, the horticulture sector could overcome its current challenges and continue to be a vital engine of economic growth for Kenya.