The Ministry of Agriculture has announced the formation of the National Horticulture Standing Committee, which will focus on identifying emerging challenges within the horticulture industry and devising strategies to tackle these issues.
Dr. Kipronoh Ronoh, Principal Secretary for the State Department of Agriculture, highlighted that the committee’s primary role is to improve the production and productivity of horticultural crops through research, innovation, technology adoption, and the implementation of efficient management practices.
At the committee’s inauguration, Dr. Ronoh emphasized that over the past few decades, horticulture has become a crucial sector in Kenya’s agriculture, contributing significantly to foreign exchange earnings, food security, job creation, and poverty reduction. “The sector has seen an average growth rate of 10% annually for the past decade, with horticultural exports generating Sh157 billion in foreign exchange in 2023,” he stated.
However, Dr. Ronoh pointed out that despite this positive growth, the industry faces several challenges that hinder its sustainability and further development. These include the effects of climate change, rising production costs, pests and diseases, stiff market competition, and increasingly strict market requirements.
The Ministry is committed to staying aligned with the evolving demands of both local and international agribusinesses. This commitment led to the establishment of the National Horticulture Taskforce in 2004, aimed at advocating for the industry and addressing existing and emerging challenges.
Dr. Ronoh explained that the dynamic nature of the sector necessitated a restructuring of the Taskforce to better respond to new challenges and demands. “In an industry where competition is fierce and product quality is paramount, we must quickly find practical, effective, and sustainable solutions to stay profitable and competitive,” he added.
The newly formed National Horticulture Standing Committee will be led by Collins Micheni Marangu, the Agriculture Secretary, State Department for Agriculture as the Chairman, with the Vice Chair coming from the private sector. Other members of the committee include Dr. Bruno Linyiru, Director General of the Agricultural and Food Authority (AFA), Dr. Eliud Kireger, CEO of the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO), and Prof. Theophilus Mutui, CEO of the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS).
Other key members include Floice Mukabana, CEO of the Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (A), Fredrick Muchiri, CEO of the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB), and several representatives from the horticulture and agricultural sectors, including the Kenya Flower Council (KFC) and the Fresh Produce Exporters Association of Kenya (FPEAK).
Dr. Linyiru from AFA noted that the Authority’s initiatives include developing policies and regulations that encourage best practices, establishing standards for horticultural crops, and fostering global networks for marketing and information exchange. Additionally, AFA focuses on promoting farming technologies, capacity building for counties, and encouraging value addition strategies to optimize the profitability of horticultural crops.
“The horticulture sector enjoys strong support from a dynamic private sector and development partners who continue to collaborate with the government in addressing the industry’s challenges,” Dr. Linyiru said. He concluded that the launch of the National Horticulture Standing Committee will further strengthen this collaboration, benefiting both the sector and the nation.