Kenya's Horticultural Produce Gets Certification To Access International Market, 27 EU Countries

• The Nairobi Pack House received the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) certification (SANS 10330:2020)
• This certification mandates Nairobi Pack House to ensure that Kenyan horticultural products meet international quality and safety standards
• HACCP certification opens up markets for Kenyan horticulture products, particularly now that the Kenya-EU agreement is in the final stages

Elijah Ntongai, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, leverages more than three years of expertise in financial, business, and technology research, providing profound insights into both Kenyan and global economic trends.

Nairobi — The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) Horticultural Crops Directorate (HCD) secured the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) certification (SANS 10330:2020) for the Nairobi Pack House.

This certification, is expected to facilitate international market entry for local producers, small and medium-scale horticulture processors and packaging companies in Kenya.

The Nairobi Pack House, which offers packaging space and cold storage for startups and medium-scale exporters and importers of vegetables, herbs, fruits, and flowers, is now HACCP-certified.

What is HACCP certification?

HACCP is a comprehensive system designed to monitor the entire food system, from harvesting to consumption, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses and ensuring food safety.

This certification will ensure that Kenyan horticultural products meet international quality and safety standards.

How does the HACCP certification benefit Kenyans?

During the certification award ceremony held at a Nairobi hotel on Wednesday 13, Juma Mukhwana, the principal secretary of the State Department of Industry, emphasised the government's commitment to securing markets for Kenyan products, highlighting the upcoming signing of the Kenya-European Union deal.

“On Monday, the president will be signing the Kenya-European Union (EU) agreement, which will enable Kenya to sell up to 13,000 different products to 27 EU countries duty-free and quota-free for 25 years,” said the PS.

AFA Board Chairman Cornelly Serem noted that achieving the HACCP certification opens up markets for Kenyan horticulture products, particularly meeting the requirements of many international buyers.

Therefore, the certification allows Kenyans to access the European market that will be available once the Kenya-EU deal is signed.

Farmers diversify earnings in avocado farming

In other news related to Kenyan products for export, TUKO.co.ke reported that avocado farmers are raking in millions from exports of the fruit to Europe and Asia.

According to the report, farmers must ensure they get the correct seedlings when starting their avocado farms because only the Hass avocado variety is certified for export.

"When it comes to marketing, avocado is in high demand, there are groups on social media where you just post pictures and within a short time, you get customers, mostly agents who are buying the crops for export," said Geoffrey Kavita, an agronomist and agricultural consultant.