NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya has officially launched its pilot export of apple mangoes to the United Kingdom, marking a significant milestone for the country’s horticulture sector and signalling new opportunities for local farmers to access high-value global markets.
The consignment was flagged off by Kenya Airways Cargo in collaboration with government agencies and private sector players, underscoring growing efforts to diversify Kenya’s fresh produce exports beyond traditional markets in Europe and the Middle East.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, Kenya Airways Cargo Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Capt George Kamal said the pilot shipment demonstrated Kenya’s readiness to meet stringent international quality and phytosanitary standards.
“This pilot export is proof that Kenyan farmers and exporters can consistently meet global requirements. Strong partnerships are critical in opening new trade corridors, and Kenya Airways Cargo remains committed to linking Kenyan farmers to international markets in a reliable, efficient, and competitive manner,” Kamal said.
He noted that access to new markets such as the UK has the potential to strengthen agricultural value chains, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve incomes for farmers, particularly those in mango-producing regions.
Apple mangoes, a premium variety prized for their flavour and texture, are grown largely by smallholder farmers. Industry players say successful penetration of the UK market could incentivise improved production standards, aggregation, and cold-chain investment at farm and county levels.
The event brought together key stakeholders from across the horticulture and trade ecosystem. Among those who addressed the gathering were Okisegere Ojepat, Chief Executive Officer of the Fresh Produce Consortium of Kenya (FPC); Hosea Machuki, CEO of the Fresh Produce Exporters Association of Kenya (FPEAK); Walter Agong, Operations Manager at the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA); Lillian Mwai Ndegwa, Country Director at TradeMark Africa; and Floice Mukabana, CEO of the Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEPROBA). Kenya Airways Cargo Director Fitsum Abadi was also in attendance.
Ojepat said the pilot export reflects years of work to position Kenyan fresh produce competitively in international markets.
“This is not just about mangoes; it is about credibility. Once you demonstrate compliance and consistency, markets open up for other products as well,” he said.
FPEAK CEO Hosea Machuki said the UK market presents both opportunity and responsibility, noting that exporters must maintain traceability, food safety, and sustainability standards.
“The UK consumer is increasingly conscious about quality and sustainability. This pilot should set the benchmark for future exports,” Machuki said.
TradeMark Africa’s Lillian Mwai Ndegwa emphasised the role of trade facilitation and logistics efficiency, saying reduced bottlenecks at ports and airports are critical for perishables.
“With fresh produce, time is everything. Efficient cargo handling and predictable export processes make the difference between profit and loss for farmers,” she said.
According to KEPROBA, horticulture remains one of Kenya’s top foreign exchange earners, contributing billions of shillings annually and employing millions directly and indirectly.
However, overreliance on a narrow range of markets has exposed exporters to risks such as price volatility and regulatory changes.
The pilot apple mango export is part of broader efforts by the government and private sector to diversify export destinations and product ranges under Kenya’s agricultural transformation and trade expansion agenda.
Kenya Airways Cargo said it will work with partners to scale up volumes if the pilot proves successful, positioning Kenya as a reliable supplier of premium mangoes to the UK and potentially other European markets.
“As we scale exports and diversify markets, our focus remains on sustainability and shared prosperity for farmers and exporters,” Kamal said.
If successful, the pilot could pave the way for expanded mango exports during peak seasons, offering Kenyan farmers a stable foothold in one of the world’s most competitive fresh produce markets.
