The New Export Trade (NExT) Project is an important initiative aimed at boosting Kenya’s
competitiveness in horticultural exports. It seeks to improve compliance with international market standards, strengthen export supply chains, and broaden market access. Funded by the European Union (EU), the project is implemented by COLEACP (Comité de Liaison Europe-Afrique-Caraïbes-Pacifique) in partnership with Kenyan government agencies, private sector exporters, and farmer cooperatives.
This initiative emphasizes capacity building, digital traceability systems, and post-harvest
management solutions to assist smallholder farmers, agribusinesses, and exporters in adhering
to sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) regulations, GlobalGAP, and EU market requirements.
Implementation Status
- Training & Capacity Building: More than 5,000 farmers, exporters, and supply chain
participants have been trained in food safety standards, integrated pest management
(IPM), and best agronomic practices to improve compliance with EU regulations. - Digital Traceability & Compliance Systems: The project has implemented blockchain enabled traceability platforms that facilitate real-time monitoring of pesticide residues,
quality control measures, and supply chain movements, ensuring complete transparency
for buyers in the EU and other global markets. - Post-Harvest & Cold Chain Enhancement: Investments in modern packhouses,
refrigerated transport, and centralized aggregation hubs have reduced post-harvest
losses and enhanced export quality. - Market Linkages & Trade Facilitation: By forming strategic partnerships with EU
retailers, importers, and trade fairs, the project has assisted Kenyan exporters in
establishing direct market connections, leading to increased export volumes.
Key Findings
- Enhanced Compliance with EU Regulations: The implementation of digital traceability
and SPS compliance systems has led to a 30% decrease in the rejection rates of Kenyan
fresh produce exports in the EU market. - Growth in Export Volumes: The initiative has resulted in a 15% increase in the export of
fresh fruits and vegetables, benefiting both large exporters and smallholder farmers. - Increased Income for Smallholder Farmers: Farmers involved in the NExT Project have
experienced an average income boost of 25%, thanks to improved access to high-value
markets and enhanced farm management practices.
Despite its achievements, the project encounters challenges such as the high costs of certification
for smallholder farmers, inconsistent application of SPS regulations across various counties, and
limited cold chain infrastructure in rural regions.