The Kenyan government has secured Sh4 billion (£30m) to finance small-scale horticulture production over the next five years, according to the local press.
Agriculture permanent secretary Dr Romano Kiome said the government is talking with the African Development Bank to seek assistance for small-scale farmers and irrigation projects.
“We are committed to the expansion of the local horticulture sector and to help community-based farmers,” he said.
Dr Kiome was speaking during the launch of the new Kenya Horticulture Council (KHC), which was formed after the merger between Fresh Produce Exporters of Kenya (FPEAK) and Kenya Flower Council (KFC) in Nairobi.
Dr Kiome urged exporters to quote prices in euros or pound sterling as opposed to US dollars, to avoid losses from currency fluctuation. He said players must cut down costs, find new markets and improve packaging, whilst maintaining quality.
The launch of KHC is seen as a response to Europe’s increasingly environment-conscious generation of shoppers.
