October 9, 2025
Kenya has taken a significant step to enhance the quality and competitiveness of its fresh produce exports by launching a new Fresh Produce Academy. This initiative, a partnership between the Fresh Produce Consortium of Kenya (FPC) and KALRO Seeds Kenya, aims to provide practical, hands-on training to farmers, aggregators, exporters, and other stakeholders within the horticultural value chain.
The academy, inaugurated at KALRO Seeds Thika, addresses a pressing need for technical skills development tailored to the unique demands of fresh produce markets. FPC Chief Executive Officer Okisegere Ojepat emphasized that many existing institutions do not offer the practical, farm-level and business-oriented solutions required by the sector. This new academy will bridge that gap, equipping participants with knowledge on improved seed usage, plant protection, disease identification, and post-harvest handling techniques essential for meeting the high standards of international markets.
One of the major challenges highlighted is disease management in avocado farming, which significantly affects produce quality and payment for farmers. Wanjohi Mukuria, chairman of the Avocado Aggregators Association of Kenya, noted that poor-quality avocados often result in withheld payments from buyers, impacting farmers directly. The training provided by the academy aims to bolster product quality, ensuring that farmers and aggregators benefit from sustainable and fair returns.
Trade experts recognize the importance of quality in maintaining access to key export markets. Fillipo Amato, Head of Trade Section at the European Union Delegation to Kenya, highlighted that while the EU-Kenya trade agreement offers quota-free and duty-free market access, tariff removal alone does not guarantee success. He pointed out that improving product quality is crucial for Kenya’s fresh produce to compete effectively in the EU market.
The academy’s launch is supported by various initiatives, including the EU-backed Business Environment and Export Enhancement Programme (BEEP), which focuses on improving small and medium enterprises involved in horticulture. This program not only aims to enhance competitiveness but also reinforces compliance with environmental, climate, and labor standards increasingly demanded by export markets.
Thomas Wilde of the Import Promotion Desk (IPD), an organization supported by German development agencies, highlighted how the academy will enhance the sustainability and economic resilience of the Fresh Produce Consortium by building critical capacity within the sector.
To further meet strict market requirements, Kenya is considering shifting from sampling to full testing of avocado export consignments to ensure consistent adherence to EU regulations on pesticide residue, plant health, and traceability. Despite the advantages of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the EU, exporters continue to grapple with challenges such as stringent quality controls and phytosanitary standards.
The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) is also playing a vital role by ramping up avocado seedling production, targeting around 320,000 seedlings annually to satisfy rising demand, particularly from the EU. Outreach programs and farmer training in regions like western Kenya are helping growers adopt improved cultivation practices that support higher quality and yields.
Kenya’s fresh produce sector has also seen a dramatic increase in exports to markets like China, with avocado exports rising nearly tenfold in 2023 compared to the previous year. Nevertheless, the EU remains Kenya’s largest export market, keeping adherence to its demanding quality standards a top priority.
Challenges persist in ensuring fruit maturity before export, especially for sea shipments, with premature harvesting risking damage to Kenya’s reputation and leading to potential blacklisting or rejection of consignments. Additionally, logistical risks such as high shipping costs, cold chain failures, and transport delays threaten the ability to deliver produce in optimal condition.