KENYA HORTICULTURAL COUNCIL

An Overview of Kenya Horticulture Industry
The Horticultural sub sector is the fastest growing industry within the agricultural sector, recording an average growth of 15% to 20% per annum. It contributes positively to wealth creation, poverty alleviation, and gender equity especially in the rural areas. The industry continues to contribute to the Kenyan economy through generation of income, creation of employment opportunities for rural people and foreign exchange earnings, in addition to providing raw materials to the agro processing industry. The sub sector employs approximately 4.5 million people countrywide directly in production, processing, and marketing, while another 3.5 million people benefit indirectly through trade and other activities.

It is therefore in the recent past the horticulture sub-sector has recorded sustained growth in the country. The sub-sector is vibrant for example there has been a steady 10 – 20% annual increase in production and export earnings for over a decade. This remarkable growth in the industry is attributed to the public sector support and a dynamic private sector, which has been able to produce a wide range of horticultural products of high quality that have met the requirements of various international markets.

The success for the Kenyan export horticulture industry can be attributed in part to Kenya's natural advantages for the production of horticultural crops and partly on Kenya’s first mover advantage. The agro climatic conditions are ideal and Kenya's location astride the equator enables year-round production. In addition production is highly intensive in the use of relatively low skilled labour. Exporting firms have also made considerable investment in post-harvest facilities and transport infrastructure which gives immediate access to air transport. Kenyan exporters have also developed the necessary technical and managerial skills. On the other hand, the Government has left the industry to be private sector driven, with negligible controls. The government is committed to the liberalization of the industry. In this regard, the private sector, which has so far played a leading role in the development of this industry, has take up the challenge of further development. The government is ready to provide all the necessary support to facilitate the private sector in this noble task.

Despite stiff competition in overseas markets and the problems usually encountered in the areas of production, marketing, financing, internal constraints and external interventions, Kenya has been able to maintain and even expand her market share on the International arena. This has been possible through improved produce quality, new products development, value-adding to produce, the search and exploitation of marketing opportunities and overall improved efficiency in both production and marketing.

KENYA HORTICULTURAL COUNCIL
Horticulture is the most vibrant sectors in Kenya’s agricultural sector and contributes immensely to the socio-economic development of the country. It is therefore imperative that growers and exporters obtain facilitation and support through a common and committed focal point. This focal point is the Kenya Horticultural Council (KHC). The main objective for establishing KHC is to enhance effectiveness and efficiency in resource utilization and service delivery to the horticulture industry.
This will be achieved through harmonization of the activities of the leading trade Association in the region Fresh Produce Exporters Association of Kenya and Kenya Flower Council.

KENYA FLOWER COUNCIL
The Kenya Flower Council (KFC) is a private organization of growers and exporters of cut flowers and ornamentals. Currently KFC has total membership of 52 companies and with 57 separate farms spread across the country. KFC also has a total of 19 associate members spread out in Germany, Switzerland, UK, the Netherlands and locally. Those based in Europe are buyers of flowers from Kenya while the local associate members are in logistic and banking business. KFC acts as the linking pin between the grower and the buyer by ensuring that buyers are happy with the grower’s compliance with the requirements they set to be adhered to during the production and supply of high quality flowers. KFC Vision is to be the lead organization in the provision of self-regulatory and promotional services for the floriculture industry in Kenya. Its Mission is to promote the economic, social and political interest of the floriculture industry through active participation in the determination and implementation of policies governing sustainable development of the sector.

KFC Objectives are:-
a) To foster responsible and safe production of cut flowers and related products with due regard to the interest of the community and of the environment
b) To promote safe working environment for all farm staff
c) To ensure that business is carried out in accordance with the laws of Kenya
d) To operate to the highest level of accountability and transparency
The activities of the Council have significantly contributed to the overall development and stability in the flower industry in general.

FRESH PRODUCE EXPORTERS ASSOCIATION OF KENYA
Fresh Produce Exporters Association of Kenya (FPEAK) is Kenya's premier trade organisation representing growers, exporters and service providers in the horticulture industry. Formed in 1975, when export horticulture was in its infancy, the Association has grown to become Kenya's foremost sectoral trade association. Members of the Association are involved in growing and/or exporting fresh cut flowers, fruits and vegetables.
FPEAK provides a focal and coordination point for the horticulture export industry. We support growers and exporters by providing technical and marketing information and training, act as an information centre, and run active lobbying and advocacy programmes to enhance the sector's competitiveness.

FPEAK’s Vision is to make Kenyan horticulture the global choice.

Our Mission is to develop, unite and promote the Kenyan horticultural industry in the global market with due regard to safety, good agricultural practices, social, ethical and environmental responsibilities. Currently, the Association membership stands at 110, of which 80 are exporters and 30 are affiliate member’s exports. The aim of the association is to represent and improve business environment of the horticulture industry. This is achieved by pooling growers, exporters and service providers to create a single voice for the industry. Since its inception, the Association has grown in strength and numbers to become Kenya’s leading trade Association representing horticultural growers and exporters. Ordinary Membership is open to small, medium and large horticultural growers and exporters of cut flowers, fruits and vegetables. In addition, Affiliate membership is for organizations that offer support services and inputs to the industry. One of FPEAK’s main activities has been the development and implementation of Kenya Good Agricultural Practices - (Kenya-GAP). Kenya-GAP is based on the principles of responsible and sustainable agricultural practices that provide a universally acceptable standard against which growers can be audited and certified. The Kenya-GAP has now attained the EurepGAP/GlobalGAP equivalent status. I S