This archive report was first published on 17 July 2020.
On the Eatmo farm in Subukia, Nakuru County, a flurry of activity is underway as the global markets slowly reopen amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Three months ago, the farm would harvest produce in tonnes and dump it at a site for making manure after the global market was shut. However, with the resumption of cargo flights, workers are now harvesting and grading produce in the pack house.
"There is great hope after the resumption of cargo flights," says Ruth Wanyoro, the company's exporting agent. "The thyme is destined for the United Kingdom, while the chives will be exported to the Netherlands," she adds.
According to Wanyoro, a kilogram of thyme fetches 4.2 Euros (Sh504) and the same quantity of chives 7 Euros (Sh840).
The produce is exported under the European Union-funded Market Access Upgrade Programme (MARKUP), which aims at connecting farmers to local, regional, and international markets.
Implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) in partnership with the national and county governments and the private sector, the project is also benefiting macadamia, groundnuts, French beans, snow peas, mango, and chilli farmers.
As exports resume, stakeholders note that freight costs are a little lower than three months ago, with the current freight cost being about $1.8 (Sh190) - $2.3 (Sh242) per kilo.
According to Hosea Machuki, the chief executive of the Fresh Produce Exporters Association of Kenya, this is down from between Sh265 and Sh424 in March.
"The normal prices which applied before the outbreak of COVID-19 were between Sh130 and Sh180. Although this is currently the low season for horticulture exports, we are optimistic that better days are coming," Machuki says.
