The Hot Water Treatment Facility for Horticultural Crops initiative, led by the Horticultural Crops
Directorate (HCD) under the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), seeks to improve the
phytosanitary compliance of Kenya’s horticultural exports, especially mangoes, avocados, and
French beans. This initiative was introduced in response to stringent regulations from the
European Union (EU) and Middle Eastern markets, which mandate hot water treatment (HWT) to
eradicate pests and pathogens that could impede Kenya’s access to these markets.
The facility is intended to assist exporters in meeting international sanitary and phytosanitary
(SPS) standards, ensuring that Kenyan horticultural products remain competitive on the global
stage.
Implementation Status
The HWT facility was set up under the Horticultural Crops Directorate (HCD) with assistance from
the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) and international trade partners. It
provides essential treatment for horticultural crops destined for export, aiming to prevent
quarantine pest infestations like fruit flies, thrips, and fungal diseases. The facility offers
commercial hot water treatment services to exporters and farmer cooperatives, ensuring effective
post-harvest handling and minimizing rejection rates.
HCD has collaborated with private exporters and packhouses to guarantee that all hot watertreated
produce complies with export regulations. Additionally, the initiative trains smallholder
farmers on best practices in pest management, handling, and adherence to international food
safety standards.
Key Findings
- Reduction in interception cases: Since its implementation, the HWT facility has
significantly reduced the number of Kenyan mangoes and avocados rejected at entry
points in the EU and Middle Eastern markets. - Improved compliance with SPS regulations: Exporters using HWT services have
recorded higher acceptance rates of their produce in global markets. - Enhanced market access: The initiative has strengthened Kenya’s export position,
allowing for increased volumes of mango and avocado exports. - Economic boost for smallholder farmers: By reducing post-harvest losses and
improving the quality of produce, the initiative has helped farmers secure better prices and
sustainable incomes. - Support for Kenya’s re-entry into the EU market: The facility has played a crucial role in Kenya’s efforts to fully resume direct exports of fresh mangoes to the EU, following a
self-imposed export ban due to fruit fly infestation.