Background & Objectives

The EU-financed Kenya Business Environment and Export Enhancement Programme (BEEEP) is a unique export-oriented value chain ecosystem that will address quality and SPS challenges in the horticultural sector (mangos, avocados and vegetables value chains) to enhance competitiveness and increase access to identified export markets. BEEEP is partnering with the government of Kenya trade agencies and select private sector players, buyers, and producers to support interventions that will result in increasing trade and improve Kenya’s economy in terms of jobs creation and improved incomes particularly in the targeted geographic areas. This Technical Assistance (TA) is the second phase of a project which was conducted between Jan. 2024 and Feb. 2025.

Activities

• Regulatory Review & SPS Measures
  • Update and adopt SPS frameworks, including the Horticultural Code of Practice (KS1758).
  • Develop priority strategies for plant protection and food safety.
• Improved Technical Standards & Surveillance
  • Strengthen pest surveillance and traceability systems.
  • Enhance product specifications, labelling, and inspection guidelines.
  • Implement risk-based inspections and traceability for recalls.
• Capacity Building for Authorities
  • Train SPS regulators on export/import controls, diagnostics, risk analysis, and accreditation.
  • Enhance information sharing and early detection systems.
• Support for Smallholders & SMEs
  • Deliver training on food safety, HACCP, SPS/TBT, and voluntary standards.
  • Assist with traceability, certification, and market access compliance.
  • Strengthen public-private partnerships on SPS dialogue and regulation feedback.
• Voluntary Sustainability Standards (VSS)
  • Pilot green certification and environmental footprint initiatives.
  • Support pest and pesticide residue management for key crops (mango, avocado, vegetables).
  • Provide technical assistance for Global G.A.P and BRCGS certifications.
• Coordination & Information Sharing
  • Support SPS/TBT committees and joint capacity-building programmes.
  • Improve national and county-level risk management frameworks.
  • Share up-to-date food safety and plant protection information with stakeholders.
• Export Market Development
  • Link smallholder farmers to export markets.
  • Address certification and compliance gaps for exporters and cooperatives.
  • Support processing and value addition for horticultural produce.

Results

• Regulatory Compliance and SPS Measures enforced
  • A systems approach for pest control is implemented at the level of KEPHIS and AFA-HCD, including development of pest risk management strategies and audit support.
  • Kenya is prepared to respond to EU audits and inspections, especially on compliance with the EU False Codling Moth (FCM) regulation.
  • Phytosanitary protocols, inspection guidelines, and manuals are reviewed and upgraded.
• Strengthened Food Safety and Pesticide Residue Control
  • Kenya’s pesticide regulation framework is reviewed and strengthened.
  • A monitoring system for pesticide residue levels in horticultural produce for export is established.
  • Awareness regarding banned, restricted, or unregistered substances and alternatives such as biopesticides is promoted.
• Traceability and Digital Systems implemented
  • The design and rollout of a digital traceability platform for registering and tracking production sites, exporters, and packhouses is supported.
  • Data integrity, interoperability with EU requirements, and integration with inspection and certification workflows are ensured through collaboration with stakeholders.
• Capacity Building and Training across the selected value chains
  • A National Capacity Building Programme on SPS measures, good agricultural practices (GAP), food hygiene, and post-harvest handling are designed and implemented.
  • Training modules are developed and workshops for inspectors, extension officers, producer groups, and exporters are conducted.
• Adequate Certification and Private Standards Support provided
  • Facilitation of uptake of private voluntary standards such as Global GAP, BRCGS, Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance, among others.
  • Pre-certification readiness, internal audits, and coordination with certifying bodies is provided through TA.