Kenya has started plans to shift 50 per cent of its horticultural exports from the air to sea in the next ten years. This is to shift to a greener and more sustainable transportation method as the world shifts gear towards decarbonization of the shipping industry by adopting non-fossil fuels energy.
This initiative is being supported by Trademark Africa (TMA) with support under the leadership of the Netherlands, Denmark, and the European Union (EU).
Successful implementation of the plans, according to TMA will enable Kenya to increase its market share and reduce both the carbon footprint and the cost of exports.
Several larger companies have already started to use sea freight for the export of flowers, vegetables, and fruits but the sector is now aiming for a transformative and larger shift, TMA noted.
Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Hon. Salim Mvurya, representatives from the Ministry of Roads and Transport, Ambassadors from European Union Member States in Kenya and TMA Country Director Mr Ahmed Farah and Deputy CEO Ms. Allen Sophia Asiimwe recently toured the port to kick off this initiative.
Global consumers, especially in Europe, are on the frontline of this push for radical decarbonization of value chains that deliver fresh produce to their supermarket shelves and dining tables.
“The transition from air freight to sea freight will have to go hand in hand with the private sector. It is important to create export volumes, optimize systems, and foster innovations in port development. Therefore, I am very happy to have attended the first public-private working group meeting to facilitate the shift from air freight to sea freight,” said the Ambassador for the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Kenya, Mr Maarten Brouwer.
Denmark’s Ambassador to Kenya, Mr. Ole Thonke also supported the move and thanked the Netherlands and EU Ambassadors and the representatives of the Government of Kenya for taking the lead in providing support to Kenya’s green transformation of its export of horticultural products.
“It will be good both for Kenya and for importing countries like Denmark. We look very much forward to active participation first in the mapping of the opportunities, engaging the private sector in Kenya as well as in Denmark and later to contributing to the implementation of the transformation,” said the Ambassador.
Speaking on behalf of the European Union, Ambassador Henriette Geiger said, “The sector is ripe for an urgent and radical transition from air to sea freight, more than ever as a step in the right direction in the clamour for climate change action. Our support is directly related to the EU Green Deal which aims, among other things, to make the economy and trade more sustainable and part of the EU Global Gateway. A more sustainable export of Kenya’s horticulture goods is essential to ensure the growth of the sector in the future and all jobs and livelihoods that depend on it.”
The EU support is contained in the Business Environment and Export Enhancement Programme BEEEP), a Ksh 3.8 billion programme implemented by TradeMark Africa to enhance the competitiveness and raise the share of exports of Kenyan avocados, mangoes, and vegetables to Europe and other international markets.
Part of the implementation initiatives will focus on resolving production, storage, logistics, and value-addition challenges that the horticultural sector faces. Other planned interventions include improving the efficiency and environmental sustainability of transport infrastructure to reduce trade costs and time, modernizing and harmonizing trade processes and procedures, improving access to quality standards and phytosanitary measures, streamlining trade agreements, and supporting the implementation of the necessary business reforms.
“Sea freight is viable and a win-win option for all as Kenya gears to increase its volume of exports by 50% by the year 2030. It is a more sustainable alternative, less expensive and has an enormous carrying capacity. As TradeMark Africa, we are working closely with our development partners and private sector players to establish digital corridors to enhance market access, increase transparency and traceability of Kenya’s horticultural produce in the destination markets,” Deputy CEO at TMA, Ms. Allen Sophia Asiimwe said.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the editorial consultant and do not necessarily reflect the official position of FEAFFA. The editorial consultant can be reached via githua.kihara@gmail.com
