Between January and October 2023, Kenya’s horticultural exports edged those of the entire 2022 by 1.46%, according to the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK).

The sale of mainly fruits and vegetables reached  580,648 metric tonnes (MT) up to October, above the 572, 290 MT of the entire 2022. The sector is poised to register earnings worth $1.23 billion for the end year returns, which will eclipse 2022’s $1.1 billion.

In its Agricultural Survey of November 2023, CBK had earlier stated that agriculture spiraled back from a negative growth in  the past two years. The sector rebounded from a growth of -4% and -1.6% in 2021 and 2022 respectively, to 7.7% by June 2023.

Flowers make the Cut

Among the best performing horticultural exports of Kenya are flowers, whose entire 2023 exports may hit 134,000 tonnes.

Kenya exports around 12,000 tonnes of fresh cut blooms each month, to mostly European destinations. 

These destinations, however,negated the 2023 growth in flower exports due to inflation. Gross inflation in the European Union (EU) economic bloc stood at 3.4%  in December, 2023.

Export volumes of fresh cut blooms of all kinds and live trees from Kenya reached $693.8 million in 2022. This was significantly lower than the 2021 peak of $805 million.

CBK’s Retail Outlook 

Even as floral exports improve, national retail prices are showing mixed performance. According to CBK’s data of November 2023, milk prices were poised to fall by over 30% in late 2023. This was due to improved pastures from the short rains.

Sugar, on the other hand, would moderate slightly by at least 10% from the October 2023 peak of 19%. Kenya also reopened dormant sugar mills in October, itself a gesture for bigger supplies.

On the flip side are vegetables, including onions, leeks and tomatoes, whose prices may notch higher due to excessive rain. CBK’s survey of late 2023 showed that respondents expected prices of these kitchen staples to remain up by 60%. 

Many peg their hopes in Kenya’s horticultural exports, which, together with tea and tourism, brings foreign exchange earnings.

The country expects a 10% growth rate in horticultural exports for the entire 2023 market year.