Kenya’s fresh vegetable exports drop by 54.7% as EU tightens safety rules

KENYA – Kenya’s fresh vegetable exports fell by more than half in 2024, marking one of the sharpest declines in recent years.

According to the 2025 Economic Survey Report, export volumes dropped by 54.7 percent, from 164,100 tonnes in 2023 to just 74,300 tonnes last year. The value of these exports dropped from Sh50.9 billion (US$393 million) to Sh23.4 billion (US$181 million).

Officials say the decline followed repeated alerts from the European Union over pesticide residues. “EU notifications regarding Kenyan beans and peas in pods due to concerns about pesticide residue levels exceeding MRLs resulted in lower export volumes,” the report noted.

The 2023 volumes had been the highest in five years, underscoring how much the new export requirements have shaken the industry.

False codling moth threatens flower exports

The flower industry also came under pressure, mainly due to rising interceptions linked to the False Codling Moth (FCM), a pest native to sub-Saharan Africa. Cut flower export earnings fell slightly from Sh73.5 billion (US$567 million) in 2023 to Sh72.1 billion (US$556 million) in 2024.

Kephis, the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service, said the EU had raised its inspection rates due to frequent pest interceptions. “Due to frequent interceptions of Kenyan rose exports, the EU has progressively heightened its inspection regimes,” the agency said. It noted that inspections had increased from five percent in 2020 to 25 percent by May 2024.

To respond to the tougher regulations, Kephis developed a Rose False Codling Moth System Approach (Rose FCMSA). “This protocol outlines comprehensive measures to prevent, detect, and control FCM at all stages of production, from pre- to post-harvest,” Kephis said. These steps aim to help exporters meet the EU’s zero-tolerance rule on FCM.

The EU has also rolled out Regulation (EU) 2024/2004, which takes effect on April 26, 2025. It will require even tighter pest control for roses entering the EU market.

Fruits show growth amid challenges

While vegetables and flowers faced major setbacks, Kenya’s fruit exports grew in both volume and value. Export volumes rose from 188,100 tonnes in 2023 to 225,400 tonnes in 2024. Earnings from fruits increased by 26.5 percent, from Sh32.4 billion (US$250 million) to Sh41 billion (US$317 million).

Despite this growth, total horticulture export earnings dropped by Sh20.1 billion to Sh136.6 billion. The report partly links this to cargo space shortages at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, which affected shipping schedules and increased freight costs, especially for fruit exporters.

As exporters look ahead, adapting to the EU’s tighter safety and pest standards remains essential to sustain trade in key markets.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.