NAIROBI, Kenya – Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has unveiled a strategic plan aimed at ensuring compliance with European Union (EU) export standards for flowers, safeguarding Kenya’s access to the lucrative market.
In a statement, CS Kagwe emphasized the adoption of the Systems Approach, a streamlined protocol aligning with the EU Union Customs Code, designed to address challenges affecting the export of fresh produce.
Kenya has faced significant hurdles due to the presence of the False Codling Moth (FCM), a pest that thrives in warm climates and damages crops such as flowers, citrus, avocados, and vegetables.
In 2024, Kenya reported 95 rejected export consignments and 48 interceptions due to FCM infestations, resulting in losses estimated at Ksh146.9 million.
To address this, the Ministry of Agriculture has submitted a comprehensive FCM Systems Approach protocol to the EU.
The document details how the approach will mitigate pest risks and ensure compliance with EU regulations introduced in July 2023, which impose stricter standards on flower exports.
The Ministry has outlined several initiatives as part of the Systems Approach:
- Submission of evidence to the EU showcasing the effectiveness of the strategy in addressing pest challenges.
- Approval of 134 certified production sites to meet EU standards.
- Collaboration with key agricultural agencies, including the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization, Pest Control Products Board, and Agriculture and Food Authority.
Additionally, CS Kagwe highlighted the ministry’s ongoing efforts to train stakeholders in the flower export industry to align with EU regulations.
So far, 475 agro-attendants and 849 staff members have undergone training.
“With all this in place, I would like to ensure the EU that our compliance will be at 100 per cent and our produce will meet the highest quality standards, ensuring that no FCM is ever detected in our flowers again,” CS Kagwe stated.
By implementing these measures, the ministry aims to restore confidence in Kenya’s flower exports and secure the country’s position as a leading supplier of fresh roses to the EU market.
The flower export industry is a critical sector for Kenya, contributing significantly to foreign exchange earnings and supporting thousands of livelihoods.
Ensuring compliance with EU standards is paramount to protecting the industry from further economic losses and enhancing its sustainability in the global market.
