Kenya’s earnings from horticulture exports hit KSh145.4 billion between January and November 2021, a 6.4% increase from the KSh136.7 earned in the same period last year.
The Directorate of Horticulture reports that total volume of exports increased by 85 million kilos, representing a 30% rise, that was attributed to increased demand especially for flowers, fruits, and vegetables.
The volume of flower exports hit 373.78 million kilograms, a 3.3% increase from 287.8 million kilograms in 2020. Its earnings increased from KSh99 billion in 2020 to KSh101 billion in 2021.
The volume of vegetable exports rose from 34.38 million kilograms in 2020 to 65.13 million kilograms in 2021. Their earnings also increased from KSh13.9 billion in 2020 to KSh23.78 billion in 2021.
The volume of fruit exports hit 110.5 million kilograms, an 11% increase from 99.5 million kilograms in 2020. However, the earnings dropped from KSh17.75 billion to KSh17.57 billion.
The horticulture exports sector is currently ranked 3rd in foreign exchange earnings, after tourism and tea exports. The European Union still accounts for the largest portion of Kenyan horticultural exports, taking in 45% of the exports majorly comprising cut flowers, French beans, snow peas, and Asian vegetables.
The leading export destinations are United Kingdom, Netherlands, France, UAE, and Saudi Arabia.
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