County Introduces Nairobi Export-Ready Certification Program

Nairobi City County is stepping up its support for exporters by promoting internationally recognized certification for local businesses, especially in the horticulture and agricultural processing sectors. At the heart of this push is the Nairobi Pack House, a facility that provides processing and packaging space to small and medium-scale exporters of vegetables, herbs, fruits, and flowers. The pack house recently earned HACCP (SANS 10330:2020) certification from the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), a major milestone that enhances its credibility and helps local producers tap into global markets. This certification is seen as a critical component of Nairobi’s broader strategy to build export readiness among SMEs. By ensuring that processing facilities conform to international food-safety standards, the county and national agriculture authorities believe they can increase the competitiveness of Nairobi-based horticulture processors. Speaking during the certification ceremony, AFA’s Horticulture Crops Directorate emphasized that the Nairobi Pack House’s upgraded standards will unlock export opportunities into high-value markets in Europe and beyond. Beyond the pack house, Nairobi County officials have also signaled fresh support for other exporter categories. Specifically, they have pledged infrastructure and technical help for miraa (khat) exporters, promising a dedicated packaging and export-prepping facility closer to the airport.