The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has announced
mandatory registration for all marketing agents dealing in mango fruits in the
country.
Kenya is a reputable international mango exporting region, serving the Middle East, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Italy amongst other markets.
In a notice, AFA said the directive is crucial in a bid to enhance Kenya’s
mango exports to the international markets.
With the directive set to take effect on October 28, 2024,
AFA in collaboration with the Horticultural Crops Directorate (HCD) has called
for all marketing agents to register with the relevant authority.
The authority mandates that all mango farmers, exporters and processors should deal with registered marketing agents only. This comes after complaints by mango farmers due to neglect of payment by some marketing agents.
“In view of the upcoming market export season and following
complaints by farmers of non-payment for produce collected by some traders, the
Authority plans to register Marketing Agents dealing in the mango fruit, to
streamline trade in export fruits,” Linyiru
said.
“In this regard, notice is hereby issued to all Marketing
Agents dealing in mango fruit, that they are required to register with the
authority online on AFA-IMIS (www.imis.afa.go.ke)
The online registration is continuous,” he added.
The registration process is stipulated to take place in the various AFA offices.
The Horticultural Crops Directorate shall have their
registration site at the Horticultural Centre in Nairobi, Kibwezi, Machakos,
Kitui, Yatta, Elgeyo Marakwet and Mombasa.
The authority has advised farmers to supply their mango produce to registered marketing agents only with exporters and processors equally required to purchase produce from registered marketing agents.
Mango exporters have also been directed to apply for physical inspection of mango consignments through [email protected] with their application clearly stating the location of the pack house in a bid to facilitate easier inspection.
This compliance guideline comes as a result of some exporters mixing mango consignments with avocado due to a coinciding harvest season.