FPC Kenya launches training academy to strengthen fresh produce sector

KENYA – The Fresh Produce Consortium of Kenya (FPC Kenya) has launched the Fresh Produce Consortium Academy at its grounds in Gatanga, Murang’a County.

The academy will equip farmers and value chain actors with technical and business skills to boost productivity, improve quality, and expand access to global markets.

Building skills and business growth

Speaking at the launch, FPC Kenya Chief Executive Officer Okigere Ojepat said the academy will concentrate on talent development and business growth, with strong attention on branding and marketing.

“We believe that this academy is long overdue and what we needed to do should have been done long ago,” Ojepat said. “But now we are going to do it in collaboration with KALRO. We are going to have practical centers, trial sites, seedlings, and ensure that things work very well. Nobody within this value chain will have a reason not to do the right thing.”

The avocado sector will receive special focus as farmers continue to face challenges from emerging crop diseases and political disputes. Wanjohi Munyui, chairperson of the National Avocado Aggregators, welcomed the initiative.

“We believe that we are going to be educated and the education that we are going to get will trickle down to the farmers. We have a problem of avocado disease which we are calling upon KEPHIS, which is the mandated body of the country, to look on how we are going to spray that disease,” he said.

Strengthening the avocado industry

Sharon Wanjiku, Secretary General of the National Avocado Aggregators, noted the sector’s importance. “This is a very critical industry. It’s an emerging industry and a very fast growing industry. So we encourage that the government will come on board with us and collaborate especially with the existing BMOs in the industry and ensure that we make this industry as sustainable as it can.”

Kenya’s avocado exports earned 159 million dollars in 2024, up 11 percent from the previous year. Italy alone imported produce worth 1.4 billion shillings in 2024, while new markets such as China and Japan are showing increased demand.

Projections suggest that avocado exports to Italy will grow by about 3 percent annually over the next five years.

Wider horticulture outlook

Beyond avocados, Kenya continues to earn strong revenues from cut flowers, fruits such as pineapples and mangoes, and vegetables like French beans and snow peas.

The European Union remains the largest market, accounting for nearly half of the country’s horticultural exports.

To support exporters, the Kenya Ports Authority is investing in cold chain infrastructure and reefer points to reduce perishability losses.

Government initiatives such as the Green Channel and the National Logistics and Freight Policy aim to speed up clearance processes. Integration into the African Continental Free Trade Area is also expected to position Kenya as East Africa’s horticultural hub.

While the sector faces threats from climate change, pests, and rising competition, the launch of the Fresh Produce Consortium Academy shows an effort to strengthen farmer knowledge and sustain growth.

The upcoming Kenya Fresh Produce Conference and Exhibition in September will provide another platform to highlight these efforts.

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