By Victor Prince
Kenyan exporters, agribusinesses and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will have an opportunity to strengthen their export readiness skills as the Fresh Produce Consortium of Kenya (FPC Kenya) partners with the Intelligent International Centre for Agriculture and Trade (IICAT) to host an Export Readiness Training on September 4, 2026.
The training is designed to provide practical knowledge to businesses seeking to enter or expand their presence in international markets, with a particular focus on the requirements that determine whether products can successfully compete globally.
The half-day programme will bring together industry experts to address key areas including export readiness, market access, phytosanitary requirements, standards and compliance.
Leading the expert lineup will be Okisegere Ojepat, President and CEO of the Fresh Produce Consortium of Kenya, who will share insights on preparing businesses for international trade, accessing export markets and navigating the demands of global buyers.
Ojepat’s session is expected to provide participants with practical perspectives on what exporters need to put in place before entering international markets and how businesses can position themselves to compete effectively.
Also featuring on the programme is Josiah Syanda, a phytosanitary expert, who will focus on the phytosanitary requirements governing international trade.
For fresh produce exporters, compliance with phytosanitary requirements is critical, as failure to meet the plant health conditions of destination markets can result in consignments being rejected or delayed.
Participants will also hear from Cyprian Kabbis, a standards expert, who will address the role of standards, compliance and quality management systems in strengthening export competitiveness.
According to the organisers, understanding and meeting international standards can help businesses build buyer confidence while improving their ability to access and retain international markets.
Preparing businesses for export
The training is targeting a wide range of participants, including established exporters, agribusinesses, SMEs and businesses that are exploring international markets for the first time.
The organisers say the programme will go beyond theory by providing practical insights that businesses can apply as they prepare to export.
This comes as Kenya continues to pursue opportunities to expand its agricultural exports and increase the participation of local enterprises in international markets.
For horticultural businesses in particular, export readiness involves more than simply finding a buyer. Businesses must understand destination-market requirements, comply with applicable standards, meet phytosanitary conditions and maintain consistent quality while managing the logistical and commercial demands of international trade.
The training therefore provides an opportunity for businesses to better understand these requirements before committing resources to export markets.
Training details
The Export Readiness Training will be held on September 4, 2026, from 8:00am to 12:00pm, at Pride Inn Plaza, Signature Mall.
Participation will cost KES 9,000, with organisers advising interested participants to register early as seats are limited.
Registration is available through: https://shorturl.at/BgIUk
Through the partnership, FPC Kenya and IICAT are seeking to equip businesses with the knowledge and practical tools required to move from local production to successful participation in international trade.
For Kenyan exporters and agribusinesses looking to expand beyond the domestic market, the organisers say the training will provide an opportunity to learn directly from industry specialists and better prepare for the realities of global markets.