The Kenya Airways cargo division has officially flagged off the country’s pilot apple mango export to the United Kingdom (UK).
In a statement, the airline elaborated that the export marks a significant milestone for Kenya’s horticulture sector and for local farmers accessing global markets.
“Together with our partners, we remain committed to scaling exports, diversifying markets, and supporting sustainable growth for Kenya’s fresh produce sector.”
Attending the flag off was Kenya Airways’ Acting Managing Director and CEO George Kamal who highlighted the value of partnerships in providing new trade opportunities.
He reaffirmed the airline’s role in linking Kenyan farmers to international markets in a reliable, efficient and competitive manner.
“The pilot shipment demonstrates Kenya’s readiness to meet global standards while strengthening value chains and supporting higher incomes for farmers,” Kamal noted.
Kenya Airways in promoting connectivity
Kenya Airways is a leading African carrier that connects people, cultures, and markets in Africa and around the world. It offers flights to 43 destinations worldwide, 34 of which are in Africa.
It also connects over 5 million passengers and over 70,000 tonnes of cargo annually through the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Apart from the Acting Managing Director Kamal, other crucial industry and government stakeholders also oversaw the flag off.
They included CEO of the Fresh Produce Consortium Okisegere Ojepat, CEO of Fresh Produce Exporters Associations of Kenya Hosea Machuki, Operations Manager at the Kenya Airports Authority Walter Agong, Country Director at TradeMark Africa Lillian Mwai Ndegwa, CEO of the Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency Floice Mukabana, and Kenya Airways Cargo Director Fitsum Abadi.
Kenya in the horticulture industry
Kenya is a significant producer of horticultural products for both local and international markets.
According to the Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency, the tonnage of horticulture production for exports in Kenya has risen substantially in recent years.
In 2023, horticultural production reached 430.2 tonnes, marking a 9.9% increase compared to 2022, when production stood at 391.5 tonnes.
The total value of horticultural exports also increased, from Kshs 147.1 billion in 2022 to Kshs 153.7 billion in 2023 excluding exports of processed horticultural produce and nuts according to KNBS Economic Survey 2024.
The vegetables Kenya produces for the horticultural market include chilies, cabbage, fresh beans, baby corn, spinach, broccoli, tomatoes, carrots, onions, and snow peas.
On the other hand, major fruits include bananas, pineapples, avocados, mangoes, pawpaw, passion fruit, and watermelons.
The branding agency also explains that the horticulture industry remains one of Kenya’s top foreign exchange earners, generating approximately USD 1.2 billion annually.
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