Kenya’s Mango export to Europe Resumes in September

Kenya will resume its multibillion mango export business to Europe officially in September this year. Kenya’s mango export business with Europe was on a self-imposed ban for 8 years due to fruit flies outbreak. 

Europe approved the resumption after tests showed low levels of insect incidence on Kenya’s produce. 

During the 8 year self-imposed ban to Europe, Kenya alternatively exported its produce to the Middle East. The returns were however lower to what Kenyan farmers would get from the European market. 

What influenced the resumption

The resumption to Europe has mainly been made possible by creating pest free areas around Kenya. This is to ensure that any produce being exported to Europe is free of flies. 

Local mango and fruit farmers have been struggling with the fruit fly for over 17 years. This is  since 2003 when the pest was first reported in the country from Sri Lanka.

“We have done a dry run and samples were submitted to EU and this was approved. This puts us on the roadmap to begin mass export in September.” Geoffrey Kiganiri, USAID Kenya Crops and Market System.

“Since 2020, it has been established that the level of infestation has drastically gone down. This gives assurance that farmers will now access the EU market.” 

Wilfred Yako, assistant director of regulations and compliance, Directorate of Horticulture.

Pest Free Zones

Makueni county and Elgeyo Marakwet county ar the two counties with pest free zones. Makueni county has the largest production of mangoes in Kenya taking up 31% of total production. 

“If we meet the basic requirements for EU market and resume the export of mangoes as planned, this will raise the price from the current Sh5 to Sh30.”Robert Kisyula, Makueni county executive for agriculture.