Kenya pushes for lower tariffs to boost horticulture exports

KENYA – Kenya has started talks with five major horticulture markets to cut tariffs and strengthen its exports, Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui announced on Tuesday.

Higher tariffs have squeezed Kenya’s competitiveness since the country was classified as a middle-income economy.

In 2024, horticulture exports dropped by Ksh20 billion (US$131 million) to Ksh137 billion (US$896 million). Analysts linked the fall to a stronger shilling and increased competition from other suppliers.

Speaking during the opening of the COMESA-EU Horticulture Connect forum in Nairobi, Kinyanjui said Kenya wants to reinforce its position as an export hub.

“As a leading player in the horticulture space, Kenya is keen to both increase in value and quantity of its exports to the EU market. With geographical and weather advantages, we have all year round ability to produce for this market,” he said.

This marks the first time Kenya is hosting the EU horticulture forum, which connects buyers, SMEs, and producers. The forum also shares information on certification and quality standards, areas that remain central for exporters who want access to Europe.

Private sector’s role

Horticulture contributes about 1.6 per cent to Kenya’s GDP. More than 70 per cent of cut flowers are shipped to the EU, alongside large volumes of fruits and vegetables. Kinyanjui called on the private sector to take a stronger role in market growth.

“It is the private sector that must drive transformation by scaling up production, embracing standards, and building cross-border linkages that make COMESA horticulture globally competitive,” he said.

Kinyanjui also stressed the importance of logistics in sustaining export growth. “We must build not only our production capacity at the farm level, but also strengthen our logistical systems to effectively export horticultural products. COMESA has a population of 682 million, an internal market large enough to absorb much of the surplus we produce within the region.”

Summit outcomes and next steps

The four-day COMESA-EU summit, which runs in Nairobi, will conclude on October 9 with the Heads of State and Government Meeting. Trade experts expect concrete policy commitments that could improve access to EU markets for Kenyan exporters.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Trade is also finalizing separate discussions with Gulf states to open more direct air cargo routes for horticultural products. Officials believe the move will reduce transport costs and shorten delivery times for fresh produce.

Kinyanjui said ongoing reforms reflect the government’s push to secure markets for farmers and exporters. “Our farmers produce high-quality goods. What they need is fair access to markets, competitive pricing, and strong support systems to move their products. That is the focus of our negotiations.”

As the talks progress, exporters hope the tariff cuts will restore growth and protect one of Kenya’s most important sectors.

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