Stakeholders pulling together during the unrest in Kenya in January prevented far greater disruption to the export sector the Kenya Horticulture Development Programme estimates.
The programme, which is run by USAid, reported “complete disruption” to transport in its most recent newsletter with rising prices of inputs and freight and declining sales and profits. “But with access to good communications, excellent management and emergency resources, the export industry responded magnificently and somehow they managed to supply an estimated 95 per cent of customer orders,” the newsletter stated.
The story was a different one however for small-scale growers producing for the local market, however, and the newsletter estimated that “thousands” suffered instant and total loss of income while their planting programmes continue in disarray as they cannot afford the increased cost of inputs.
The Kenya Horticulture Council formed three committees to address transport, security and labour issues working with police and local authorities during the disturbances to ensure the smooth flow of produce to the country’s airports and a safe environment for workers.
As a result, USAid estimates that losses to the industry amount to less than two per cent of annual turnover.
Meanwhile, the KHDP has been receiving increased international interest in Birds Eye chillies. Interest among producers in growing the crop is reported to have increased since a feature on the product ran on Kenyan radio.
