Kenya is removing critical obstacles facing horticulture exports through legislative reforms and a new technical barriers committee. These changes promise easier market access for the country’s vital flowers, fruits, and vegetable sectors worth billions in annual revenue.
The timing is significant: the new bill comes as Kenya’s National Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee, established earlier this year, begins implementing its Strategic Plan 2025–2029 to ease market access for exporters.
Recent Parliamentary Action on Standards Bill 2025
The Standards Bill, 2025 was presented to Parliament’s Committee on Trade, Industry and Cooperatives this week, with Trade PS Regina Ombam, National Standards Council Chair Dr. Chris Wamalwa, and KEBS Managing Director Esther Ngari leading the legislative push.
The bill modernizes Kenya’s quality infrastructure laws, providing the legal framework to support the National Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee established earlier in 2025.
What the TBT Committee Does for Horticultural Exporters
The Committee brings together over 50 institutions including KEBS, Kenya Revenue Authority, Kenya Association of Manufacturers, Competition Authority of Kenya, and the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs. This unified platform addresses common export challenges:
- Varying phytosanitary standards across markets
- Changing certification requirements
- Different maximum residue limits (MRLs) for pesticides
- Complex compliance procedures
KEBS serves as the Secretariat, acting as the central point for trade-related technical enquiries and managing data that support trade negotiations and dispute resolution
Three Strategic Pillars for Kenya Horticulture Exports (2025-2029)
1. Standards Harmonisation Aligning Kenya’s agricultural standards with international requirements reduces compliance costs. Exporters shipping to multiple destinations face fewer conflicting regulations.
2. Capacity Building Government agencies and industry associations gain technical expertise to address regulatory challenges in key markets including the EU, UK, and Middle East.
3. Market Access Enhancement Kenyan horticultural products meet quality, safety, and sustainability standards demanded by premium international buyers.
Why These Reforms Matter Now
Kenya faces shifting global trade dynamics, including new U.S. tariffs affecting preferential access under AGOA. The horticulture sector needs agile responses to changing trade conditions.
The Committee coordinates Kenya’s participation in regional forums including the East African Community (EAC), COMESA, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) . These platforms are essential for expanding horticultural trade across Africa.
How Exporters Can Use the TBT Committee
Horticultural exporters facing technical barriers in target markets can now:
- Engage directly with the TBT Committee through KEBS
- Access specialized technical experts for sector-specific issues
- Participate in sector subcommittees
- Receive support during international standards negotiations
The Committee has authority to mobilize experts and represent Kenya’s interests in international standards bodies.
Impact on Kenya’s Fresh Produce Sector
Kenya’s fresh produce sector—flowers, vegetables, fruits, and herbs—depends on rapid market access and regulatory predictability. The combined impact of the Standards Bill 2025 and the TBT Committee creates:
- Reduced export delays
- Lower compliance costs
- Better negotiating position in trade disputes
- Stronger competitive advantage in global markets
With both legislative reform and operational support systems now in place, Kenya horticulture exports are positioned for sustainable growth despite evolving international trade requirements.