The country is looking towards increased export earnings from agricultural produce following the launch of Kenya-Israel direct cargo flights.
Kenyan farmers will now have access to the Israeli market, a move expected to grow the country's earnings from exported agricultural products, especially horticulture.
Among the products that will be exported directly include tea, coffee, pineapples and avocados.
Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi said this will uplift farmers in the country.
He was speaking during the launch of the inaugural direct cargo flight from Nairobi to Tel Aviv-Israel at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
The move comes as a result of the two trading blocks early last month committing to improve their bilateral ties by eliminating the barriers between them for improved trade.
Among them was the absence of a direct flight between the countries.
In his state visit to Israel on May 10, 2023, President Ruto while meeting Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there exists huge potential between the two countries.
“We must exploit these opportunities. There are a wide range of exports that deserve to reach the Israel market,” Ruto said.
"Absence of direct flights between Kenya and Israel is a serious impediment that continues to hamper trade and tourism."
Data by Trading Economics shows Kenya exports to Israel was $8.11 million (Sh1.12 billion) in 2021, up from $5.9 million (Sh820 million) in 2020.
President Ruto during the investor roundtable forum in Tel Aviv last month, noted that Kenyan exports to Israel are worth Sh1.1 billion whilst imports from Israel amount to Sh7.5 billion a year.
He sated that it is an under performance, but with clear potential to do much more.
CS Linturi during the launch of the flight further said that the country will continue looking for more opportunities to leverage on to expand the export market of agricultural produce.
"The government is keen on growing agriculture and turning it into a profitable venture, pointing towards reduction in the cost of living, alleviation of poverty and the country's transformation Kenya,” Linturi said.
