Kenya's horticultural sector, encompassing fruits, flowers, and vegetables, has been reported to contribute approximately Sh157 billion to the economy in 2023, according to the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) Horticultural Crops Directorate (HCD). The sector witnessed a 7% increase in the total export value, rising from Sh 147.08 billion in 2022 to Sh 156.69 billion in 2023, driven by a surge in exported volumes of 76,931.27 metric tonnes. However, the period saw a decline in flower export value by Sh 30.4 billion, contrasting with significant growth in vegetable and fruit exports. Vegetable exports soared by 115.5% to Sh 50.86 billion, while fruit exports grew by 64.9% to Sh 32.37 billion, contributing 52% to the total horticultural value. The global export share for Kenyan fruits stood at 3%, and vegetables at 2%, with production shares at 0.5% and 0.3% respectively. Murang'a, Lamu, and Meru were top fruit-producing counties, with bananas, avocados, and mangoes leading the production. Vegetable production was highest in Nyandarua, Meru, Nakuru, and Narok, with tomatoes, cabbages, and kale as the primary vegetables. The report also highlighted significant exports of medicinal and aromatic plants, with Taita Taveta, Meru, Bungoma, and Kitui as key producers.
Source: TechTrends