- In 2022, Kenya’s avocado export value was estimated at $15.15 billion according to government data.
- The move is aimed to ensure the inflow of affordable products from Malaysia into the country is balanced with the exports.
Image: WU PENMG/TWITTER
Kenya could soon be exporting avocados to Malaysia as it seeks to finalise import requirements for avocados to Malaysia.
Speaking during the Kenya – Malaysia Business Forum held in Nairobi Kenya’s High Commissioner to Malaysia Francis Muhoro said he has written to the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate (Kephis), seeking to finalise import requirements for avocado to Malaysia.
The move comes after it began exporting avocado to China last year, cementing its place as the continent’s leading exporter of the fruit and the sixth largest globally.
Data from the Horticulture Crops Directorate (HCD) at Kenya’s Agriculture and Food Authority shows that avocado exports rose from 66 million tonnes in 2018 to 86 million tonnes in 2021.
In 2022, Kenya’s avocado export value was estimated at $15.15 billion according to government data.
The move is aimed to ensure the inflow of affordable products from Malaysia into the country is balanced with the exports.
Although there is no latest data on the balance of trade between the two countries, historic data shows trade has been in favour of the Asian country.
For instance, in 2020, Malaysia exported $517 million to Kenya. The main products include palm Oil ($329 million), refined petroleum($76.7 million), and hot-rolled iron bars ($27.6 million).
During the last 25 years, the exports of Malaysia to Kenya have increased at an annualised rate of 15 per cent, from $15.7 million in 1995 to $517 million in 2020.
On the other hand, Kenya exported goods worth $82.4 million to Malaysia.
The main products that Kenya exported to Malaysia were tin ores ($43.7 million), refined petroleum($18.2 million), and titanium 0re ($9.04 million).
During the last 25 years, the exports of Kenya to Malaysia have increased at an annualized rate of 11.1 per cent.
Muhoro said Kenya is a key market for Malaysia with significant potential for expansion and immense opportunities in agro-processing value addition, manufacturing, and tourism.
"Current trend analysis indicates that Kenya is the leading trade partner and major export destination for Malaysian Products. This is set to change as Kenya seeks greater product diversification to suit the Malaysian market,'' Muhoro said.
The Forum sought to strengthen Kenya-Malaysia bilateral ties, especially in the sectors of Agro-processing and manufacturing.
The mission brought together diverse interests in the area of agriculture - soil enhancement, goat and sheep vaccines; medical equipment and items; energy; construction; education; ICT; general export/import of goods and logistics.
During the forum, the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) signed an MOU with the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KLSICCI).
The treaty seeks to ensure that both chambers engage through events, investment promotions, B 2 B marketing, investment promotion missions and sharing of market research, portfolio connections, and technology transfer.
Malaysian firms, Bio Angle, a goat and sheep pneumonia vaccine manufacturer and Bio25 which deal with soil enhancement products, showed interest in partnering with farmers in Bomet County.
The team has also visited Nakuru County to introduce the Open University learning concept.