Nairobi, Kenya — The Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), announced the launch of an innovative online National Horticulture Traceability System (NHTS) on Wednesday. The new platform is set to modernize the tracking of fresh produce from its origin to the marketplace.
According to Kenya News Agency, the impetus for developing the NHTS arose from significant challenges impeding Kenya’s horticultural exports, especially in meeting the stringent safety standards required by the European Union (EU). Key issues included the absence of a national framework for tracing horticultural goods, rejections due to high levels of pesticide residue, and the detection of regulated pests within export shipments.
Addressing stakeholders at a Nairobi hotel, Serem outlined that the NHTS would enhance the sector’s viability and help protect the global standing of Kenyan exports to critical markets such as the EU. The system is expected to be fully integrated with other relevant agencies, including the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) and the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), streamlining access for all parties involved.
The chairman highlighted the essential support from USAID through the Kenya Crops and Dairy Market Systems (RTI-KCDMS) project in not only developing the NHTS but also fostering growth within the horticultural sub-sector. This initiative aligns with the government’s strategy to bolster horticultural production and tap into the sector’s extensive potential.
In 2022, Kenya’s horticultural exports reached 391,507 tonnes, yielding a revenue of Sh147 billion, with the EU and the UK being significant markets for vegetables, and the EU and the Middle East for fruits. Notably, the industry has expanded its reach into emerging markets, including China and India, the latter receiving its inaugural shipment of Kenyan avocados recently. This makes Kenya the leading avocado exporter in Africa and places it among the top 10 worldwide.
Dr. Robert Mwadime, Chief of Party for the KCDMS, a USAID-funded project, lauded AFA’s efforts in implementing the NHTS, noting the dedication of the AFA team, who pursued this project without additional compensation. Mwadime also mentioned USAID’s broader involvement with Kenyan agricultural agencies, such as investments in seed production with KEPHIS and technology transfer initiatives with the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO).
The implementation of the NHTS marks a critical step in addressing both domestic and international market demands, reinforcing the commitment to enhance transparency and accountability within Kenya’s horticultural industry.