This archive report was first published on 24 May 2020.
Kenya's fresh produce exports to Europe are facing a double threat, with weather challenges and disease outbreaks disrupting output from farms. The expected slowdown in volumes of fresh produce in June comes as international airlines resume flights into Nairobi, including British Airways and Singapore Airlines.
Freight charges have increased to between $2.8 and $3.5 per kilo, up from $1 in the pre-COVID-19 period. The Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) projects that an increase in international cargo flights into Nairobi will subsequently lower freight charges.
FPC Chief Executive Ojepat Okesegere anticipates production to fall by between 20 and 30 percent due to heavy rains that came with pests and diseases. He attributed the shortage to a combination of factors, including too much rain, transitioning of crops, and a lack of motivation among farmers who relaxed when their orders were cancelled during the COVID-19 lockdowns.
Mr. Okesegere noted that the new crop is expected to reach the market after a month and will boost Kenya's export market as the industry recovers from pandemic-related disruptions.
