Horticulture Farmers in 2,500 Strike Over Low Prices in Nairobi

Kenya has begun negotiations with five major horticulture markets to reduce export tariffs in an effort to revive the sector’s competitiveness and boost earnings. Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui confirmed that the higher tariffs—introduced after Kenya’s reclassification as a middle-income country—have weakened the country’s ability to compete internationally. His remarks come at a time when the industry faces significant pressure, with horticulture export earnings falling by Ksh20 billion in 2024, largely due to a stronger shilling and stiff competition from emerging producers.
Speaking during the opening of the COMESA-EU Horticulture Connect forum in Nairobi, Kinyanjui said the government is positioning Kenya as a regional and global export hub. He highlighted Kenya’s year-round production capacity, driven by favourable weather and geographical advantage, which supports strong supply of cut flowers, fruits, and vegetables to the European Union and beyond. The event, hosted in Kenya for the first time, brought together EU buyers, small businesses, and local producers, offering insights on certification, quality standards, and export requirements. Currently, horticulture contributes about 1.6 percent to Kenya’s GDP, with over 70 percent of cut flowers destined for the EU market.
Kinyanjui urged the private sector to play a central role in the industry’s transformation, calling for increased investment, adoption of global standards, and stronger cross-border partnerships. He stressed that improving logistics is essential for the sector to thrive, noting that efficient systems from farm to market remain a critical gap. With the COMESA region boasting a population of 682 million, he added that the domestic regional market is large enough to absorb surplus produce and help stabilize earnings. The four-day horticulture summit concluded on October 9 with a Heads of State and Government Meeting, marking a renewed push for deeper regional integration and stronger export pathways for Kenyan growers.