The Ministry of Agriculture has inaugurated the National Horticulture Standing Committee, which is mandated to identify emerging issues in the horticulture industry and develop and implement strategies to address these issues.
State Department for Agriculture Principal Secretary (PS) Dr. Kipronoh Ronoh said that the committee will be mandated to promote enhanced production and productivity of horticulture produce through research and development in horticulture value chains, adoption and transfer of technology innovations, and management practices.
Speaking during the inauguration of the committee, Dr. Ronoh said that over the last few decades, horticulture has emerged as one of the leading sub-sectors in the agricultural sector in terms of foreign exchange earnings, food security, employment creation, and poverty alleviation.
“The sector has witnessed growth in production and value, growing at an average rate of 10% per annum for the last 10 years, with the sector earning the country foreign exchange earnings of Sh157 billion in 2023 through the export of horticultural produce,” said Dr. Ronoh.
He said that despite this growth in the past few years, there are still major challenges undermining the industry’s growth and sustainability. “These challenges include climate change, high production costs, pests and diseases, market competition, and stringent market requirements, among others,” said the PS.
According to Dr. Ronoh, the Ministry takes cognisance of the need to keep in step with the ever-changing and emerging demands of agribusiness both locally and internationally. This is what led to the establishment of the National Horticulture Taskforce back in 2004 with the aim of developing an advocacy agenda for the industry and tackling existing and emerging challenges.
He added that over the years, the dynamic environment within which the sector operates and the emerging challenges that require prompt and concerted efforts necessitate restructuring of the then Taskforce, reviewing the Terms of Reference to align to emerging demands, and making it promptly responsive to sector concerns that may arise from time to time.
“In the face of stiff competition and a market that is very particular about product quality, we cannot afford to take much time in finding practical, effective, and sustainable solutions to emerging issues if we are to remain profitable and competitive,” said the PS.
Dr. Ronoh said that to this effect, they have inaugurated the National Horticulture Standing Committee, which shall be chaired by a senior officer from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, and the Vice Chair shall be drawn from the Private Sector.
He said the Standing Committee will be chaired by Collins Marangu, the Agriculture Secretary, with other members being Dr. Bruno Linyiru, the Director General (DG) of the Agricultural and Food Authority (AFA); Dr. Eliud Kireger, CEO of the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO); and Prof. Theophilus Mutui, CEO of the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS).
Other members include Floice Mukabana, CEO of the Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEPROBA); Fredrick Muchiri, CEO of the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB); James Wachihi Muturi, Chairman of the County Executive Committee Agriculture Caucus Member; Clement Tulezi, CEO of the Kenya Flower Council (KFC); Hosea Machuki, CEO of the Fresh Produce Exporters Association of Kenya (FPEAK); Okisegere Ojepat, CEO of the Fresh Produce Consortium of Kenya (FPCK); Eric Kimunguyi, CEO of AAK Grow Member; and Christine Chesaro, Ag. Director of the Horticultural Crops Directorate Member, as the secretary.
Agricultural and Food Authority (AFA) Director General (DG) Dr. Bruno Linyiru said that some of the initiatives they undertake include the development and implementation of sector Policies and Regulations which seek to promote best practices and provide a conducive business environment.
“Part of our mandate is to establish standards and codes of practice for horticultural crops to ensure competitive trading and consumer safety and the establishment of local, regional, and potentially global networks to provide a platform for marketing, learning experiences, and information exchange,” said Dr. Linyiru.
He added that they are also involved in the identification of research priorities to support the development and adoption of appropriate farming technologies, capacity building for counties to enable them to support our farmers, and the promotion of value addition strategies for horticultural crops and produce for the optimisation of returns.
“I am also glad to note that the horticulture sub-sector enjoys support from a very vibrant private sector and development partners, who have consistently partnered with the government in addressing some of the challenges facing the industry, thereby propelling it to be among the leading foreign exchange earners in the country,” said Dr. Linyiru.
He added, “The inauguration of the National Horticulture Standing Committee therefore comes as a strengthening of a working relationship that already exists, and we believe that it will only get better, for the industry and for the country.”
By Joseph Ng’ang’a