Exporting Agricultural Produce from Kenya

Introduction to Exporting Agricultural Produce from Kenya

The agricultural market in Kenya is important for its economy. It creates a job, generates income, and earns foreign currency. Farming in Kenya contributes about 60% of Kenya’s exports, highlighting its business relations. The climate and land of the country are ideal for many cash crops, which increases its position in international trade. Major exported products include avocado, coffee, honey and onion. The avocado export rate increases every year, making Kenya the sixth largest producer worldwide. Kenai Coffee is famous for its rich taste. Honey and onion are also increasing in demand for both Africa and globally. Let’s discuss more about exporting agricultural produce from Kenya.

This guide offers clear steps for exporting key products.

• Kenya’s growth as a top avocado exporter, major markets, and required certifications.
• The history of coffee farming, recent trends, and the export process.
• Where honey is produced, its export potential, and the rules exporters must follow.
• Where onions are grown, market demand, and export procedures.
• A look at top export companies and what they specialize in.
• The necessary licenses and approvals for exporting agricultural products.

Exporting Avocados from Kenya

Market Position

Kenya is now the top exporter of avocados in Africa ahead of South Africa. In 2023, Kenya exported around 122,581 MT Avocados, earning around $ 140.9 million. By 2024, the export price rose 11% to $ 159 million, even with low rainfall due to low rainfall. The increasing demand for Kenai Avocados has supported strong export growth.

Key Markets

Kenyan avocados are mostly exported to Europe. The top buyers are the Netherlands, France, Spain, and Germany. The United Arab Emirates is also a key market. New markets like China and India show promise, but challenges remain in reaching them fully.

Export Requirements

For Kenyan farmers and exporters, avocados export must meet strict quality and safety standards. These rules ensure that avocados are safe, high-quality and competitive in international markets. What you should know here:

1. GlobalGAP Certification – Proving Good Farming Practices

To sell avocados internationally, farms must follow Global Good Agricultural Practices (GlobalGAP). This certification ensures:

• Food Safety – Avocados are grown and handled hygienically.
• Environmental Protection – Sustainable farming methods are used to protect soil, water, and biodiversity.
• Worker Welfare – Farmworkers have safe and fair working conditions.

2. Phytosanitary Certificate – Ensuring Pest-Free Avocados

Before exporting, avocado must be tested for pests and diseases. The Kenya Plant Health Inspectrate Service (Caffes) provides a phytosanator certificate. This certificate shows that the yield meets the international plant health rules. This step is necessary for avocado shipping in most countries.

3. Export License – Official Approval for Selling Abroad

Any person exporting avocados will have to register with the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA). They also need an export license from the Directorate of Horticulture Crops (HCD). This license ensures legal export and smooth customs withdrawal.

4. Euro 1 Certificate – Accessing the European Market

For exporters selling avocados in European Union (EU) countries, the Euro 1 Certificate is required. This document:

• Reduces export tariffs, making Kenyan avocados more competitive.
• Confirms compliance with EU trade agreements and quality standards.

Exporting Coffee from Kenya

Historical Context

Coffee cultivation in Kenya began at the end of the 19th century. In 1893, French missionaries introduced coffee plants. Initially, coffee increased on mission farms near Nairobi. During the British colonial rule, large plantations were made. After achieving freedom to Kenya in 1963, these assets were divided into small farms managed by cooperatives. Today, small farmers produce about 70% of Kenya’s coffee. This makes coffee important for the economy, produces jobs and produces foreign income.

Current Trends

Recently, some Kenyan farmers have switched with coffee to more profitable crops like avocados. This change is due to better market prices and low labor required for avocado. In contrast, coffee often costs unstable prices and high production costs. This change shows how Kenya’s agriculture is changing because the purpose of farmers is to increase their earnings.

Export Process

Exporting coffee from Kenya involves several key steps:

1. Exporters must register their business and obtain a coffee buyer’s license. This license ensures that they follow national rules and quality standards.
2. Quality Control: Kenyan coffee, especially billionica, is known for its high quality. Exporters should conduct strict quality checks. This includes grading and sorting beans to match international standards.
3. Exporters require a movement permit to send coffee to export points like Mombasa ports. They have to apply to the concerned authorities and pay the required fee.
4. The International Coffee Organization (ICO) original certificate is important for global trade. It verifies the origin of coffee. Exporters will have to apply for this during the export process.
5. Auction system: Kenya uses a unique auction system. Coffee is sold through Nairobi Coffee Exchange, allowing buyers to buy high quality coffee directly from producers.
6. Export Document: Exporters have to prepare all necessary documents. This includes contracts, invoices and shipping papers to meet customs rules.

Exporting Honey from Kenya

Production Landscape

Kenya is one of the major honey producers of Africa. About 80% of honey comes from dry and semi-dry land. These areas are perfect for beekeeping because they have many nectar-rich plants. Major honey-producing areas include:

• West Pokot, Barringo and Kitui-these areas are known for large-scale honey production, thanks to their huge acacia woodlands.
• Nyandarua County – This area produces Highland Honey, especially Multiflora Honey. It comes from a mixture of flowers, giving it a unique taste.

Kenya’s honey is diverse, which has various tastes and colors. This diversity depends on floral sources in different regions.

Export Potential

Kenya can produce honey up to 100,000 metric tonnes every year, but it only uses 20% of that capacity. Global demand for organic and natural honey is increasing, giving great export opportunities.

Opportunities for Kenyan honey exporters:

• The global need for organic and raw honey is increasing.
• The opportunity to supply markets in Europe and Middle East, where demand is increasing.
• Need better honey processing and packaging to meet export standards.

Regulatory Compliance

To export honey, Kenyan growers must follow strict international food safety standards. They require the following certificates:

• ISO 22000 – This ensures food safety management in honey production.
• HACCP (Danger analysis and significant control point) is important to enter markets such as the European Union and the United States.
• Phytosanitalry Certificate – It shows that honey is clean and the importing country’s health rules.

Honey exporters also need to follow labeling and packaging rules. This helps to ensure that the product meets the expectations of the international market.

Exporting Onions from Kenya

Cultivation Areas

Onions grow well in many regions of Kenya. Some areas have the best conditions because of their climate and soil. Key onion-growing regions include:

• Karatina: Ideal for onion farming.
• Oloitoktok: Has great conditions for onions.
• Naivasha: Supports large-scale onion farming.
• Kieni: Known for productive onion farms.
• Emali: Hosts significant onion cultivation.
• Mai Mahiu: Engages in extensive onion farming.
• Kajiado (Isinya): Recognised for its onion production.
• Nyeri (Kieni): A notable area for onions.
• Nanyuki: Supports considerable onion cultivation.
• Kitui: Involved in onion farming.
• Baringo: Known for onion production.
• Taveta (Njukini): Engages in onion cultivation.
• Narok: Participates in onion farming.

Market Demand

Kenya’s onion faces competition from market imports, especially from Tanzania. Tanzania supplies several onions that people consume locally. Nevertheless, the demand for locally produced onions in Kenya and her neighbors is increasing. Uganda and Burundi are potential export markets, as they currently import Kenyan onions. Extending to other regional markets can promote export opportunities to Kenai onion producers.

Export Guidelines

Exporting onions from Kenya involves several key steps:

• Quality Assessment: Focus on the size, size and absence of insects or diseases for onions. For the international market, ensure that onions are of a set of quality standards. Check for red onion that the diameter is 40 – 75 mm. The onion should be free from patting, there is no further diameter and should be smooth across the shape. The onion should be crisp without damaging or damaged anywhere.
• Packaging requirements: Containers used to pack onions should be dry and clean. This cuts the possibility of onion malfunction during transit due to moisture. Shuold mesh bag or ventilated boxes are used? These can help with airflows that turn the product into storage and shipping. Keeping items fresh increases their purpose and meets commercial needs during transit.
• Phytosanitalry Certificate: Certification from Kenya Plant Health Inspectrate Service (Kephis) is mandatory. This ensures that onions to be exported have no insects or diseases and follow the rules of importing countries. This makes it easier to sell products in other countries.
• Export license: Apply to concerned bodies and obtain export license. This reduces the process of passing customs and ensures compliance with certain local rules. Also ensure that the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) is informed for taxation and other export legalists.
• Documentation: Include accurate commercial challans for certified exports, to help custom duty and follow Seto’s rules. In addition, add bills for lading and original certificates.
• Market Research: Conduct market research completely to find potential buyers. Understand specific market needs by analyzing demand trends, pricing and consumer preferences. This target helps in tailor products for markets.

Key Agricultural Exports from Kenya

Product	Description	Major Markets	Key Requirements
Avocado	High demand, various varieties	Europe (Netherlands, France, Spain, Germany), UAE, China, India (potential)	GlobalGAP, Phytosanitary Certificate, Export License, Euro 1 Certificate (for EU)
Coffee	Known for quality (e.g., Arabica)	Global (sold via auctions)	Coffee Buyer’s License, Quality Control (grading, sorting), Movement Permit, ICO Certificate, Export Documents
Honey	Diverse varieties, organic potential	Global (especially organic/raw)	ISO 22000, HACCP, Phytosanitary Certificate, Labeling/Packaging Regulations
Onion	Grown in various regions	Regional (Uganda, Burundi potential), local market	Quality Assessment (size, condition), Packaging Requirements, Phytosanitary Certificate, Export License, Documentation

Leading Agricultural Exporting Companies in Kenya

Kenya’s agricultural export sector relies on key companies that connect farmers to global markets. These firms export fruits, vegetables, flowers, and processed products. They also meet international food safety standards.

1. Kenya Fresh Produce Exporters Ltd

• Specialization: Exports fruits, vegetables, spices, and cut flowers.
• Established: Founded in 2003, it is now a key player in horticultural exports.
• Compliance: Follows strict quality and food safety standards, meeting both local and global regulations.

2. Goshen Farm Exporters Ltd

• Collaboration: Partners with over 4,000 smallholder farmers, focusing on fresh and processed produce.
• Market Focus: Supplies to Europe and the Middle East, ensuring high quality.
• Sustainability: Supports women farmers, with about 65% of its partners being women.

3. Selina Wamucii

• Technology Integration: Connects smallholder farmers to global markets using digital platforms.
• Products: Exports avocados, mangoes, passion fruits, and more.
• Market Access: Assists small-scale farmers in reaching international buyers, boosting their income.

4. FrutPlanet Exporters

• Specialization: A leading exporter of avocados and other farm goods.
• Services: Provides logistics support for sourcing, pre-processing, and exporting.
• Market Reach: Has a global network supplying fresh produce to many regions.

5. Kakuzi PLC

• Focus: A major exporter of avocados, macadamias, and blueberries.
• Markets: One of the few Kenyan exporters allowed to send avocados to China.
• Farming Infrastructure: Owns large avocado orchards for year-round production.

6. Olivado Kenya Ltd

• Specialization: Focuses on producing avocado oil and exporting organic avocados.
• Target Markets: Supplies products to New Zealand and other global areas.
• Sustainability: Supports organic farming for high-quality products.

Compliance and Certification

Kenyan agricultural exports must meet strict rules and quality standards. These rules ensure food safety, prevent diseases, and support fair trade. Government agencies and trade associations check compliance. They also assist farmers and exporters in meeting global standards.

Regulatory Bodies

1. Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS)
   • Checks and certifies agricultural exports to ensure they are pest- and disease-free.
   • Issues phytosanitary certificates required for many export markets.
   • Tests food safety and inspects farms and processing sites for quality.
   • Collaborates with international organisations to help Kenyan farmers meet global trade rules.
2. Fresh Produce Exporters Association of Kenya (FPEAK)
   • A trade group that connects fruit and vegetable exporters with buyers.
   • Trains farmers and exporters on good farming and business practices.
   • Works with the government to simplify export processes and expand market access.

Required Certifications for Exporting Agricultural Produce

• GlobalGAP Certification – Shows that food is grown safely and meets global standards.
• Phytosanitary Certificate – Issued by KEPHIS to confirm crops are pest- and disease-free.
• Euro 1 Certificate – Required for exports to the EU for lower tariffs and trade benefits.

New Regulations and Levies

• AFA Levy – Starting July 1, 2024, new fees will apply for importing or exporting food crops such as cereals, beans, and root crops. This aims to support Kenyan farmers and promote fair trade.
• Kenya Sugar Board Rules – New policies are in the works to enhance the trading, processing, and exporting of sugar.

Conclusion

Kenya faces challenges in maximizing its agricultural export sector. The region is important for the country’s economy and can help reduce unemployment. However, market prices, competition and international rules complicate the rapid export process. Agencies like Kafis and FPC support Kenyan farmers in meeting global standards. With their help, farmers can sell their products worldwide. New trade rules and export levy show a commitment to support local farmers and ensure a fair economy.

Frequently Asked Questions