Kenya’s Intra Africa Horticulture Trade

The trade involves the export and import of fresh and processed horticultural products, including fruits, vegetables, flowers, and miraa (khat). The study analyzed data from the Kenya Revenue Authority's Customs Service for the period 2006-2010 to quantify and identify trends in this trade. During the five-year period, Kenya exported horticultural products valued at Ksh31 billion ($428 million), six times the value of imports (Ksh4.8 billion). Exports increased at an annual rate of 14.3 percent, while imports increased at a rate of 26.2 percent. The average value of annual exports over the past three years was Ksh 6.98 billion ($94 million). The main market destinations for Kenyan exports by value were Somalia (63 percent), Uganda (10 percent), Tanzania (8 percent), and South Africa (5 percent). Miraa (khat) accounted for more than 90 percent of exports to Somalia, making it Kenya's biggest export product in terms of value at 54 percent of total export value. Processed vegetables were the second-largest export category, accounting for 15.5 percent of total export value. The study identified opportunities for growth in African markets for specific horticultural products, including mango, passion fruit, potato, and high-value vegetables. These crops are of strategic importance as they provide cash income and contribute significantly to the nutrition and household food budgets of producers. However, production constraints exist for each of these crops, which need to be addressed for Kenya to continue its impressive record of export growth to regional markets. Kenya's exports of fruit juice are strong and growing, with the country being the market leader in East Africa. Exports of fresh passion fruit to Uganda and fresh mango to Tanzania have also increased significantly over the past three years due to favorable climatic conditions and suitable varieties. Kenya is well-positioned to expand production of the three main tropical fruits - mango, pineapple, and passion fruit. The study also highlighted the importance of improving data collection and management to identify new opportunities for increasing Kenya's exports of horticultural products. This may include determining the cost of production for various horticultural products. Improved market analysis will contribute to the development of a coherent strategy for growth of the industry. Kenya's horticultural trade is concentrated in specific regions, with the main production areas being Eastern Province, Coast Province, Western Province, Nyanza Province, and Rift Valley Province. The study identified priority areas for the Horticultural Crops Development Authority (KHCP), including Kitui, Machakos, Makueni, Meru, and Tharaka-Nithi in Eastern Province, and Homa Bay, Kisii, Kisumu, Migori, Nyamira, and Siaya in Nyanza Province.