Kenya’s horticulture sector is booming driven largely by land availability and favorable climatic conditions in Kenya.
Speaking during the 8th edition of the Agro-Food Pack Exhibition at the Sarit Centre in Nairobi, Kajiado Investment Authority CEO Dickson Sitei highlighted the primary elements fueling the success.
“The availability of land and the conducive climate are vital for the success of our horticulture industry,” he noted.
These natural advantages, he said, have provided a solid foundation for the cultivation of a wide variety of crops, making Kenya a leading hortculture exporter.
Sitei said another significant factor is the advancement in transport and logistics infrastructure.
“Improved access to airports and the Inland Container Depot (ICD) in Mombasa has been transformative,” he said.
This logistics enhancement facilitates the efficient movement of goods from farms to international markets, greatly boosting the sector’s competitiveness.
The development aims to replicate the efficiency and success seen in Kenya’s logistics sector, supporting both domestic and international trade.
Water management is another critical area where significant progress has been made, Sitei said.
He highlighted the role of solar-powered boreholes in addressing water scarcity.
“Solarizing boreholes has greatly improved water availability for irrigation. This advancement ensures that farmers have a reliable water supply, crucial for maintaining crop production and meeting market demands,” he said.
Despite these successes, Sitei addressed ongoing challenges, particularly concerning the Finance Bill.
He expressed concerns about the frequent changes in financial legislation, which he said can create uncertainty for businesses.
“We need a more stable financial policy with a long-term outlook,” he urged.
Sitei called for a multi-year perspective on financial legislation to provide consistency and support for the horticulture sector and other industries.
Overall, Kenya’s horticulture sector has thrived due to a combination of favourable conditions, improved infrastructure and advancements in water management.
However, for sustained growth, Sitei emphasised the need for stable financial policies that will help businesses navigate the evolving economic landscape.