Project background:

The EU-financed Kenya Business Environment and Export Enhancement Programme (BEEEP) supports Kenya’s horticultural sector by strengthening quality, standards, and Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) compliance across key export value chains, including avocados, mangos, green beans, and peas.

BEEEP brings together Kenya government trade agencies, SPS authorities, private sector actors, exporters, buyers, and producers to address barriers to international market access. The programme aims to enhance export competitiveness, create jobs, and improve incomes, particularly in targeted production regions.

This Technical Assistance (TA) represents Phase II of the project, building on the results achieved between January 2024 and February 2025, and focusing on both public and private sector SPS and standards implementation.

Project Objectives

The overall objective is to strengthen Kenya’s horticultural sector by ensuring a reliable supply of safe, high-quality fruits and vegetables that meet international standards and SPS requirements, particularly for the EU and other high-value markets.

The TA specifically aims to:

• Support smallholder farmers and SMEs to implement Voluntary Sustainability Standards (VSS), technical regulations, and SPS requirements within selected Export Supply Hubs (ESHs).

• Strengthen standards and SPS regulatory systems in line with regional and international frameworks.

• Enhance technical capacity of SPS Competent Authorities to deliver effective official controls and compliance services.

Key Activities

1. Strengthening SPS Regulatory Frameworks

• Review, update, and support adoption of SPS regulations for plant protection and food safety.
• Support revision of the Kenya Horticultural Code of Practice (KS1758).
• Develop priority national SPS strategies for horticultural exports.

2. Improving Technical Regulations & Controls

• Strengthen pest surveillance systems and establish pest-free and pest-safe areas.
• Update product standards for fruits and vegetables, including labelling, packaging, and marking.
• Support development of standards for avocado edible fats and oils.
• Improve traceability systems, domestic controls, inspection procedures, and risk-based oversight across the value chain.

3. Capacity Building for SPS Authorities

• Strengthen export/import controls, inspection, diagnostics, risk analysis, and emergency response.
• Enhance SPS regulation development, transparency, and information-sharing systems.
• Support accreditation and authorization of third-party service providers and laboratories.

4. Supporting Smallholder Producers & SMEs

• Develop and deliver training on food safety, HACCP, SPS/TBT requirements, KS1758, and VSS.
• Support traceability, labelling, and compliance programmes.
• Pilot international market access requirements with selected producers and packhouses.
• Strengthen public-private dialogue on SPS regulations at national and county levels.

5. Implementation of Voluntary Sustainability Standards (VSS)

• Conduct cost-benefit analyses and action plans for pest control, pesticide residues, and microbial risks.
• Support pilots on green competitiveness, environmental footprinting, and sustainability KPIs.
• Provide technical assistance toward GlobalG.A.P. and BRCGS certification for selected enterprises.
• Support group certification, internal audits, awareness campaigns, and revolving assurance funds.

6. National Coordination & Information Sharing

• Support SPS and TBT committees and coordination mechanisms.
• Build synergies with development partners.
• Develop national and county-level risk management frameworks.
• Improve public access to SPS and food safety information through digital platforms.

7. Export Market Development

• Strengthen linkages between smallholders and export markets.
• Identify export bottlenecks and recommend targeted solutions.
• Support certification, processing, and value addition for cooperatives and SMEs.

Expected Results

A. Strengthened SPS Compliance

• Systems-based pest control approaches implemented at KEPHIS and AFA-HCD.
• Improved readiness for EU audits, including compliance with False Codling Moth (FCM) regulations.
• Updated phytosanitary protocols, inspection guidelines, and manuals.

B. Improved Food Safety & Pesticide Control

• Strengthened pesticide regulatory framework.
• Established monitoring systems for pesticide residues in export produce.
• Increased awareness of banned substances and sustainable alternatives.

C. Digital Traceability Systems

• Rollout of a digital traceability platform for farms, exporters, and packhouses.
• Improved data integrity and interoperability with EU compliance systems.

D. Capacity Building Across Value Chains

• National SPS and GAP training programmes implemented.
• Tailored training for inspectors, extension officers, producer groups, and exporters.

E. Enhanced Certification & Private Standards Uptake

• Increased adoption of GlobalG.A.P., BRCGS, Fairtrade, and Rainforest Alliance standards.
• Support for pre-certification readiness, internal audits, and engagement with certifying bodies.