A worker picks flowers at a farm in Naivasha [photo; People Daily]
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine early in the year has made Kenya lose 25% of it horticulture market in the European Union.
This follows a drop in demand for cut flowers and vegetables as a result of the rise in the cost of living.
The revelation follows the two-day Naivasha Horticultural Fair that brought close to 200 exhibitors to showcase their products and services.
According to the Chairperson of the Fair, the sector has been recording various challenges that affecting production.
For instance; the high cost of fertilizer and chemicals.
“The sector was on its recovery from Covid-19 when the Russia invasion came up leading to a loss pf between 20-25% of our market share in the EU,” he said.
Further concerns over the high prices of electricity in comparison to Uganda, Tanzania and Ethiopia have come up.
“We are deeply concerned by the overheads in this sector which are pushing growers to closure, meaning job and tax losses for the country,” he said.
Mcgonnell is challenging the government to assist small-scale farmers on the issue of soil testing which is a major challenge affecting production.