Horticulture exports earnings hit KSh72 billion between January and May 2020, up from KSh65 billion for the same period last year, translating to an 11% increase.
Benjamin Tito, head of the directorate, says that even though Europe, which is the country’s main market, imposed a lockdown leading to the cancellation of most of the orders, they have been supplying to few countries at a relatively higher price.
Fruits earnings rose to KSh11 billion in the five months, up from KSh6 billion for the same period last year. Vegetables earnings rose to KSh10.5 billion from KSh10.1 billion last year. Flower earnings recorded a 4.2% increase to hit KSh51.1 billion.
Despite the increase in earnings, the volumes of the produce declined 12% compared to the previous season.
In March, the horticulture sector in Kenya incurred a net loss of KSh8 billion ($75.4 million) due to the adverse effects of COVID-19. The flower industry, in particular, was the hardest hit following the closure of the Dutch auction and suspension of exports to the EU, which is its largest market.
Horticulture sector earnings are the third-largest contributors of foreign exchange in Kenya, after diaspora remittances and income from tourism.
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