Kenya’s fresh produce exporters are raising alarm over disruptions at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), warning that continued interruptions could damage the country’s reputation as a reliable supplier to international markets.
The Fresh Produce Consortium of Kenya (FPC) says the ongoing disruptions, attributed to a go-slow, are affecting airport operations at a time when Kenya’s horticultural and fresh produce exports depend heavily on timely and predictable air cargo services.
In a statement dated August 30, FPC President and CEO Okisegere Ojepat said every aircraft departing JKIA carries significant quantities of Kenyan fresh produce destined for markets around the world.
The consignments include flowers, fruits, vegetables, meat, herbs and spices, with many products being highly perishable and therefore unable to withstand prolonged delays.
“When flights and cargo operations are disrupted, consignments miss connections, exporters lose money, orders are cancelled, produce risks deterioration and, ultimately, farmers, workers and the wider economy pay the price,” FPC said.
Buyer confidence at risk
Beyond the immediate financial losses, the industry says the disruptions could have a more lasting impact on Kenya’s position in international markets.
According to the FPC, repeated interruptions at the country’s main export gateway are beginning to undermine the confidence of international buyers who depend on Kenya to deliver fresh produce within agreed schedules.
The consortium warned that buyers could begin looking for alternative suppliers if Kenya is unable to guarantee predictable logistics.
“More seriously, these disruptions are eroding the confidence of international buyers in Kenya as a reliable trading partner,” the statement said.
The fresh produce industry has invested heavily in developing international markets for Kenyan products, particularly flowers, fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs and other horticultural commodities. For exporters, reliable air transport is therefore considered a critical component of maintaining these markets.
FPC said Kenya cannot afford to lose markets that have taken years to develop because of disruptions at its primary export gateway.
Industry calls for urgent intervention
The consortium has called on the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) to urgently intervene and resolve the situation.
FPC said the industry needs concrete action rather than explanations, given the potential consequences for exporters and producers.
“We need action, not explanations. Kenya cannot afford the losses. Kenya cannot afford to lose its markets. And Kenya cannot afford an unreliable JKIA,” Ojepat said.
The fresh produce sector supports thousands of farmers, workers, logistics providers, exporters and other businesses across the country. Any prolonged disruption to the movement of produce therefore risks creating a ripple effect throughout the value chain.
For an industry dealing with highly perishable products and increasingly competitive global markets, exporters say reliability at JKIA is not simply a logistical issue but a matter of protecting Kenya’s export earnings, farmers’ livelihoods and international market reputation.