Kenya is seeking to increase the value of its exports to Germany by encouraging local businesses to move beyond raw produce and invest in processing, branding, and market-specific packaging. This effort is aimed at capturing more value from products such as coffee and avocados rather than relying mainly on unprocessed commodities. According to Principal Secretary for Industry Juma Mukhwana, Kenyan exporters need to take their products to the market and showcase their value.
The Kenyan government has taken a step towards achieving this goal by selecting 21 local exporters for a three-week market-linkage programme in Mannheim, Germany, from September 28 to October 16. The selected exporters are from various sectors, including tea, avocado, herbs and spices, horticulture, agro-processing, and craft. During the programme, they will undergo training, hold business-to-business meetings, and develop cooperation proposals with their German counterparts.
Recently, Kenya secured German support to expand smallholder irrigation projects across seven counties in western Kenya. This follows bilateral development talks in Berlin, where the two countries agreed to support irrigation development in the Lake Region Economic Bloc. The agreement will build on a German-backed programme that has increased agricultural production and farmer incomes in the Mount Kenya region.
The deal was reached after consultations between the State Department for Irrigation and governors from western Kenya, who expressed willingness to co-invest in irrigation projects. According to Irrigation Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimotho, annual farmer incomes are projected to increase from Sh12.4 million to Sh45.7 million. Five irrigation projects have been completed, with two already handed over to farmers and currently operational.
The completed irrigation projects cover about 1,300 acres under mainly high-value horticultural production and benefit 1,540 farmers. Germany also committed funding for community engagement, project preparation, and initiatives aimed at strengthening food security through sustainable and climate-smart agricultural interventions.
Principal Secretary Juma Mukhwana emphasized the importance of taking products to the market and showcasing their value. He was speaking in Nairobi during the launch of the 21 Kenyan exporters selected for the market-linkage programme in Germany. The exporters will have the opportunity to learn from their German counterparts and develop cooperation proposals.
The Kenyan government's efforts to increase exports to Germany and improve irrigation projects in western Kenya demonstrate its commitment to economic growth and development. By supporting local businesses and farmers, the government aims to increase the value of its exports and improve the livelihoods of its citizens.
Key points
- Kenya aims to increase the value of its exports to Germany by encouraging local businesses to process and brand products.
