The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Kenyan farmers and exporters have received a major boost after China approved the importation of dried chilies from Kenya, creating new opportunities for the country’s agricultural sector.
The Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) announced that Kenyan dried chilies had been cleared for export to China, provided exporters meet the Asian country’s phytosanitary, food safety and quality standards.
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The approval comes as Kenya seeks to expand its agricultural export markets and take advantage of China’s expanded zero-tariff policy, which took effect on May 1 and covers all 53 African countries with which Beijing maintains diplomatic relations.
The development has been welcomed by local chili farmers, who see China as a promising destination for increased production and better returns.
Chili farming has emerged as a profitable agribusiness in Kenya, supported by demand from international markets, including Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
Judy Towett, a chili farmer in Kerio Valley, western Kenya, welcomed the approval but called on the government to support farmers in meeting export requirements and linking them with international buyers.
“Let’s get into production, let’s grow with the right knowledge, meet export standards and turn this opportunity into actual shipments,” she said.
However, commercial exports will only begin after farms, processing facilities and packing centres meet the required registration and inspection procedures.
KEPHIS will be responsible for inspecting and approving eligible facilities, while export processing and packaging establishments must also be registered with China’s customs authorities.
Every consignment will be required to carry a phytosanitary certificate confirming that the produce meets China’s import conditions.
Strict quality and traceability requirements
Exporters will also be required to maintain records showing where their produce originates, adopt good agricultural practices and implement effective pest control measures.
China’s food safety standards cover pesticide residues, aflatoxin B1 and heavy metal levels. Shipments must also be free from salmonella and specified quarantine pests and diseases.
In addition, dried chilies must have a moisture content of no more than 13 per cent and comply with the country’s packaging and labelling regulations.
Kenya already supplies several agricultural products to the Chinese market, including avocados, which China’s Foreign Ministry identified in May as among the African exports benefiting from the expanded trade arrangement.
The opening of the chili market could encourage investment in local drying, processing and packaging facilities, allowing farmers and businesses to retain more value before their products are exported.
The development also comes as Kenya intensifies efforts to attract Chinese investment into manufacturing and agro-processing, sectors considered important for job creation and export growth.
Last month, a Kenyan delegation led by Investments, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui travelled to Beijing to explore investment opportunities with Chinese companies and financial institutions.
Speaking at the Kenya-China Investor Roundtable, which brought together senior government officials, representatives of the China-Africa Development Fund and Chinese businesses, Kinyanjui said Kenya was seeking partnerships that would establish industries and create employment opportunities rather than focus solely on importing and exporting finished products.
By: China Daily
