Kenya vegetable export values grow by 17%

Kenya's vegetable exports experienced a growth in value by 17% in the first 10 months of 2016 as compared to 2015. The growth has been attributed to a recent increase in improved market access to the EU.

Data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) indicates that vegetable sales rose by a total of around USD $28,021,616.

The good performance resulted from improved market access after the country met most of the stringent measures set by EU, which had affected horticultural produce sales.

The export volume rose from 40,000 tonnes in 2015 to 55,000 tonnes between January and October last year.

“In 2015 stringent market access restrictions were set by European countries which affected the volume of produce exported,” said Jane Ngige, chief executive of the Kenya Flower Council (KFC).

Vegetables, cut flowers, peas and beans constitute an important part of Kenya’s horticultural exports to the EU.

The sector is one of the fastest growing and contributes heavily to the country’s foreign exchange earnings. “Our markets have grown over the years even though Europe remains our major destination, we have established over 60 other markets worldwide,” she said.

source: businessdailyafrica.com