CS Kagwe declares new steps for flower exports to safeguard European market

In a statement, the CS declared that Kenya will implement the Systems approach to address all requirements issued by the EU. 

This approach streamlines export procedures as required by the Union Customs Code to address all challenges.

CS Kagwe pointed out that his ministry has already submitted a False Codling Moth (FCM) System Approach protocol to the EU. 

FCM is a pest that thrives in warm climates and is known for damaging a wide variety of crops such as flowers, citrus, avocado and vegetables.

In 2024, 95 Kenyan export consignments were rejected, while 48 were intercepted due to the presence of FCM. This translated to an estimated loss worth Ksh.146.9 million. 

To safeguard the European market, the EU introduced tougher measures for the export of fresh roses in July last year, meaning all countries, including Kenya, will have to comply. 

Additionally, the CS explained that his ministry had submitted to the EU evidence of how effective the Systems approach would be used to address any pest challenges. Also attached was a list of 134 approved production sites.

He noted that the Ministry was working alongside authorities such as Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization, Pest Control Products Board and Agriculture and Food Authority to implement the systems approach. 

Further, his ministry is working on training stakeholders in the sector to align with the regulations. As it stands, 475 agro-attendants and 849 staff have been trained. 

"With all this in place, I would like to ensure the EU that our compliance will be at 100 per cent and our produce will meet the highest quality standards, ensuring that no FCM is ever detected in our flowers again," CS Kagwe stated.