Kenya, Italy strengthen trade ties through horticulture agreement

KENYA – The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MACFRUT, an organization that promotes the global fruit and vegetable sector.

The agreement, signed by AFA Director General Dr. Bruno Linyiru OGW and MACFRUT President Renzo Piraccini, aims to improve trade between Kenya and Italy.

The signing ceremony was attended by key officials, including Italy’s Ambassador to Kenya, H.E Roberto Natali, AFA Chairman Hon.

Cornelly Serem, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) Director General Dr. Eliud Kireger, Director of the Italian Trade Agency Giuseppe Manenti, and Acting Director of the Horticultural Crops Directorate Christine Chesaro.

Also present were Italian companies involved in farm technology and machinery, along with importers of Kenyan horticultural products. These firms engaged in business-to-business discussions with Kenyan exporters to explore new opportunities.

Under the MoU, MACFRUT has pledged to establish a center of excellence for horticulture in Kenya. This facility will provide farmers with training on effective farming methods.

Additionally, MACFRUT will help Kenyan exporters by arranging visits from Italian buyers and facilitating Kenyan businesses to attend industry events in Italy.

In turn, AFA will support and organize Kenyan exporters’ participation in MACFRUT events.

Kenya’s horticulture sector has been an important contributor to the economy. However, 2024 saw a drop in export earnings, with total horticulture export revenues falling to approximately US$1.06 billion from US$1.21 billion in 2023.

The decline was linked to a stronger Kenyan shilling, which made exports more expensive, as well as logistical difficulties caused by the Red Sea crisis.

Despite these difficulties, Kenya remains a key supplier of fresh produce to Italy, exporting products such as avocados, mangoes, pineapples, passion fruits, green beans, peas, French beans, and fresh herbs like basil and mint. Industry stakeholders believe that through the MoU, these exports can regain momentum.

MACFRUT has reaffirmed its commitment to assisting Kenyan exporters by organizing trade visits and supporting participation in international exhibitions.

These efforts are expected to strengthen connections between Kenyan producers and Italian importers, ensuring a stable market for high-quality fresh produce.

The next MACFRUT event is set to take place from May 6 to May 8, 2025, at the Rimini Expo Centre in Italy. The event will bring together professionals from across the fruit and vegetable industry, providing opportunities for business partnerships and knowledge exchange.

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