Agriculture remains central to Kenya's economy, employing millions and supplying food for the nation. Yet challenges with inconsistent quality, post-harvest losses, and restricted access to formal markets continue to weigh on the sector.
Up to 40 per cent of fresh produce in the country is lost after harvest. Research from the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) indicates that post-harvest losses in aquaculture reach as high as 60 per cent of production.
The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) reports that Kenya's vegetable export earnings fell by 53.83 per cent to about US$181 million in the 2024 crop season. The decline was linked to stricter compliance conditions in the European Union (EU) market.
According to AFA, the reduction followed increased interceptions of consignments that exceeded maximum pesticide residue levels allowed by the EU, alongside expanded inspection regimes at designated entry points. The number of interceptions related to maximum residue levels rose to 57 in 2024, up from 25 in 2023. Inspection frequency on vegetable shipments increased from five per cent to 15 per cent.
These regulatory changes affected market access, shipping timelines, and the cost of compliance, contributing to the downturn in export earnings.
As climate change advances, consumer requirements shift, and international markets impose tighter standards, the need to improve traceability, food safety, and sustainability across value chains has become more pressing. Without stronger systems in these areas, Kenya risks reduced competitiveness.
Raising standards, according to local experts, is not only about meeting export compliance but also about safeguarding production and improving system resilience. Areas highlighted for investment include soil health, water management, labour practices, and improved post-harvest handling.
Technology is viewed as a possible tool to improve transparency and efficiency. Options such as digital records, blockchain-based traceability, and precision farming are under consideration. However, adoption would require training, financial access, and market entry support for smallholders, cooperatives, and agribusinesses.
The debate is shifting from production volumes to quality and responsibility. Stakeholders argue that stronger standards would enhance domestic food safety and strengthen buyer confidence in international markets. Certification systems such as GLOBALG.A.P. are seen as one route for Kenyan farmers to access wider markets and align with global food safety requirements.
The broader call is for investment in monitoring systems, reforms to align with market expectations, and capacity building throughout the supply chain. Harvest, experts argue, is only the beginning; the practices applied after harvest will determine the performance of Kenya's agri-food sector in the coming years.
Source: Business Daily Africa