The Fresh Produce Sector deepens collaboration with Kenya Airways

Nairobi, January 18, 2021

Fresh Produce Exporters Association of Kenya and Kenya Airways have this morning committed to increasing their areas of collaboration, a move that will bolster the export of Kenya’s fresh produce. This has been marked by an event held in Nairobi with participation from Chief Guest, Hon. Betty C. Maina, CBS Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Industrialization, Trade and Enterprise Development.

The Horticulture sector’s contribution to Kenya’s economy cannot be downplayed. It is the third largest foreign exchange earner and has undergone a transformation over the last 50 years garnering approximately 150 billion annually. The industry provides employment opportunities to about 350,000 directly and supports over six million livelihoods. As the country’s leading foreign exchange earner, cross-stakeholder collaboration will ensure the sector’s potential is fully exploited for the benefit of all the players in the value chain. This partnership will therefore create synergies with other agencies involved in the supply chain as per the local and international regulations, improve the logistics of Kenya’s fresh produce to both the local and international markets, thereby strengthening Kenya’s position in a globally competitive marketplace.

The outbreak of the of COVID-19 pandemic and the associated containment measures aimed at preventing the spread of the Coronavirus disrupted the fresh produce sector, with most markets operating at reduced capacity, and some fully shutting down. As the global economies continue to steadily rebound, this commitment provides an opportunity to leverage on the strengths of the industry players going forward.

“Kenya Airways will fully play its part in supporting the fresh produce sector. Specifically, on Cargo, we are increasing our capacity and the capability to operate long-haul cargo-only flights, thereby providing additional options for all our customers” said Allan Kilavuka, Group Managing Director & CEO – Kenya Airways.

“We will continue improving connectivity across our network, exploring options of creating shorter connecting times, as our goal is to ensure that your produce arrives at the intended destination on time and most importantly fresh” added Mr. Kilavuka.