Kenya can now export broccoli and bananas to South Korea, the government has announced.
This comes just five months after South Korea’s Prime Minister, Lee Nak-Yeon’s visit to Kenya.
The move to clear Kenya’s agricultural products is an affirmation to Nak-Yeon’s promise to support President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Big 4 Agenda by opening Korean market to Kenya’s agricultural produce.
The Kenya government also said South Korea’s Animal and Plant Quarantine agency had given the go ahead for fresh produce exports.
During his visit in July , Nak-Yeon pledged to support key broccoli producing regions in Kenya which include Kiambu, Nairobi, Laikipia, Murang’a, Makueni and parts of Rift valley. Bananas producing areas are Kisii, Kakamega, Bungoma, Meru, Murang’a, Embu, Nyeri, Kerio Valley, Kericho, Baringo, Kirinyaga and the coastal region.
Farmers encouraged to take advantaged
The government is already reaching out to farmers to take advantage of this new development.
In a letter to the department of crop development, the Trade Chief Administrative secretary Chris Kiptoo stated: “The purpose of this letter is to bring this information to your attention and request for your assistance in contacting farmers and exporters of the above (broccoli and bananas) products so that they can take advantage of this opportunity.”
Kiptoo in the letter to the PS in charge of crop development Hamadi Iddi Boga said this was a great opportunity for the horticultural sector.
Horticulture is Kenya’s fourth largest revenue earner after diaspora inflows, tourism and tea. The sector exported fresh produce worth KSh103.89 billion.
|
