- Mutui said South Korea has already given Kenya access to market for unripe bananas and broccoli.
- Other produce to be exported to the country include macadamia, sim sim, pineapple, passion fruits.
Image: /ALICE WAITHERA
Kenya continues to expand its export market for avocado with South Korea being the new entrant.
This follows discussions during the Coffee Expo in South Korea last week with a delegation of farmers, exporters, traders and government officials led by the Trade and Enterprise Development CS Betty Maina.
During the meeting, Maina assured the Korean business community willing to invest in the country that Kenya is open and safe for business, and it is an ideal investment destination.
Kenya Health Plant Health Inspectorate Service managing director Theophilus Mutui, said the country has got a new market for avocado, in South Korea.
He spoke during a journalists’ awareness workshop programme organised by the Market Access Upgrade Program Kenya at Kephis headquarters.
Mutui said South Korea has already given Kenya access to market for unripe bananas and broccoli.
“In the meeting, it was agreed that we are going to fast track the issue for pest risk analyses for avocados and possibly by February-March next year, Kenya will be able to export avocados to South Korea,” he said.
“As you are aware, the European Union is our major market for flowers, fruits, vegetables and herbs. Currently, we are working to open up other markets for our produce. Just recently, we were in South Korea where we discussed about enhancing exports of our produce to the Asian nation. This includes crops such as avocado,” he said.
Mutui said with time, Kenya will also be able to export pineapples, dried pepper and sim sim to South Korea.
Kenya’s main exports to South Korea in 2020 production year accounted for 80.4 per cent of the total exports of coffee and copper waste.
Other export products included articles of apparel and clothing accessories, tobacco, and cut flowers, which accounted for the additional share of 14 per cent.
The Sh400 million Market Access Upgrade Kenya programme seeks to support counties to improve market access of agro-food products to the EU and regional and local markets.
The programme is supported by the European Union and implemented by United Nations Industrial Development Organisation in partnership with the National government, county governments and private sector.
It is focusing on Busia, Bungoma, Homa Bay, Siaya, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Taita Taveta, Makueni, Machakos, Nakuru, Kajiado and Embu counties.
-Edited by SKanyara