Time flies with great content! Renew in to keep enjoying all our premium content.
Prime
Horticulture exports down 13pc on Red Sea route hitches
Flames and smoke rise from the damaged Greek-flagged oil tanker MV Sounion after an attack on August 23 by Houthi militants, in the Red Sea in this picture taken on September 14, 2024. The attacks on ships in the Red Sea have affected some of the shipping firms.
The value of Kenya’s horticultural exports declined by 12.7 percent in 2024, mainly due to transport problems on the key Red Sea route, where cargo ships have been targeted by militants.
Many voyages on this route normally go through the Suez Canal. But, with Houthi militants in Yemen attacking commercial ships in the Red Sea, vessels are taking a longer route around Africa or keeping off altogether.
Agriculture Principal Secretary Paul Ronoh said that the value of horticultural exports fell to Sh137 billion last year, a decline of Sh20 billion from the Sh157 billion exported in 2023.
The PS said ships carrying cut flowers, fresh fruit and vegetables destined for Europe were rerouted to the South African route due to the volatile situation in the Red Sea.
“The year 2024 was particularly a difficult year for the industry especially because of the Red Sea situation that compelled Kenyan horticulture exporters to ship produce to Europe via South Africa and West Africa, lengthening the transit period for highly perishable products,” said Dr Ronoh.
He added: “This situation spilled into creating pressure on airfreight and consequently making airfreight costly.”
The PS was speaking in Nairobi during the inauguration of the National Horticulture Standing Committee, which has been tasked with evaluating policies and reforms to support the growth of the horticulture sector.
The 12-member committee is composed of various stakeholders including farmers, national government officials, exporters, counties and regulators.
The formation of the taskforce comes at a time when the horticulture sector, despite its rapid growth in recent years, still faces numerous challenges. These include high taxation, high production costs, pests and diseases, stiff market competition and stringent market requirements.
Horticulture is one of the leading export earners for Kenya. Other foreign exchange earners include tea, coffee and tourism.
The Netherlands is the largest market for Kenya’s horticultural exports, particularly cut flowers, followed by the UK, France, the United Arab Emirates and Germany.
China, India and Kazakhstan are also emerging as major destinations for Kenya’s fresh produce, particularly avocados.