Kenya Launches National Horticulture Traceability System
The Kenyan government has introduced a National Horticulture Traceability System (NHTS) to track fruits, vegetables, and flowers from farms to foreign markets. This digital platform aims to improve product control, simplify export procedures, and meet the increasing demands of international markets.
Key Features of the NHTS
- Launched on June 23 by the Agricultural and Food Authority (AFA)
- Combines licensing, registration, and phytosanitary certification processes into a single platform
- Allows exporters to complete some formalities online, enhancing transparency and efficiency in the supply chain
Background and Motivation
The initiative comes as sanitary controls are being strengthened, particularly in the European market, which is the primary outlet for Kenyan horticultural products. In 2024, the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) reported:
- 43 interceptions related to pests
- 77 interceptions due to documentary anomalies
- 80 notifications for exceeding maximum pesticide residue limits, up from 50 the previous year
Objectives and Expected Outcomes
Through this platform, authorities hope to:
- Reduce the risk of cargo rejection
- Strengthen export compliance
- Preserve the competitiveness of the horticultural sector
- Horticulture is the second-largest source of agricultural export revenue after tea, generating 202.4 billion Kenyan shillings (USD 1.56 billion) in 2024
- Cut flowers accounted for 47.5% of these revenues, followed by fruits and vegetables at 46%
Future Plans
The government plans to gradually extend this traceability system to other agricultural sectors, including:
- Maize
- Coconut
- Macadamia nuts
This move is expected to further enhance the country's agricultural export sector and improve its global competitiveness.
