Kenya-Netherlands partnership driving growth in horticulture

By Daisy Okiring

Kenya’s horticulture sector has emerged as a key pillar of the country’s agricultural economy, contributing significantly to employment, foreign exchange earnings, and rural livelihoods.

In 2024, the sector is expected to generate Ksh. 150 billion in revenue, with exports playing a crucial role in this growth. The Netherlands remains Kenya’s top horticultural export destination, accounting for 27.3% of total horticultural exports.

With Kenya exporting over 70% of its flowers to the European Union (EU) market—majorly routed through the Netherlands—the partnership between the two nations has been instrumental in shaping the horticulture industry. The sector employs approximately 350,000 people directly and supports over 6 million livelihoods across the country.

A recent visit by King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands to Florensis Farm in Naivasha underscored the importance of this collaboration. Accompanied by Agriculture Cabinet Secretary (CS) Mutahi Kagwe and senior government officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry (MITI), the Dutch royals explored ways to further strengthen the bilateral relationship in horticulture.

Kenya’s horticulture export market

The Netherlands is a key transit hub for Kenya’s flowers, fruits, and vegetables. The Royal FloraHolland Auction in Aalsmeer, Netherlands, is the largest flower auction in the world and serves as a gateway for Kenyan flowers to reach global markets.

Kenya’s flower exports alone generated Ksh. 108 billion ($850 million) in 2023, with roses making up about 70% of the total flower exports. Other major horticultural exports include vegetables, which were exported to Europe, the Middle East, and regional markets, earning Kenya Ksh. 28 billion ($220 million) in 2023.

CS Kagwe and King Willem-Alexander walking together, symbolizing a shared commitment to enhancing trade and investment in horticulture. Photo/KMALD

The fruit sector, including avocados, mangoes, and passion fruits, saw a surge in demand, generating Ksh. 15 billion ($118 million) in 2023.

With demand expected to increase, stakeholders in both Kenya and the Netherlands are working to enhance trade efficiencies and ensure high-quality production.

“The Netherlands has been a vital partner in Kenya’s horticulture sector,” said CS Mutahi Kagwe during the visit. “With over a quarter of our exports heading there, this partnership extends beyond trade—it includes investment, knowledge transfer, and infrastructure development.”

Investment in logistics and infrastructure

To sustain and expand its horticultural exports, Kenya has invested heavily in logistics and infrastructure, ensuring that fresh produce reaches markets efficiently. The Naivasha Inland Container Depot (ICD) plays a critical role in this strategy.

During their visit, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, alongside CS Kagwe, CS Moses Kuria (MITI), and CS Davis Chirchir (Transport), toured the facility to assess its impact on trade facilitation.

Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands visited Florensis Farm in Naivasha, accompanied by Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe and senior officials from MoFA and MITI. Photo/ KMALD

The Naivasha ICD has significantly reduced transportation costs and improved the speed at which perishable goods, such as flowers and vegetables, reach Mombasa Port for export. The facility is linked to the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), enabling direct transport of goods from Naivasha to Mombasa, cutting transit time by up to 40%.

“Our focus is on streamlining our supply chain and making Kenyan horticultural exports more competitive globally,” stated CS Kagwe. “The Naivasha ICD and the improved logistics network are key steps in that direction.”

A vibrant bouquet showcasing the beauty of Kenyan horticulture, a testament to the country’s thriving flower export industry.

Kenya is also investing in cold storage facilities at airports and farms to maintain the quality of perishable goods before export. The recent upgrade of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) cargo handling facilities has increased its cold storage capacity by over 30%, further strengthening Kenya’s position as a horticultural powerhouse.

Technology transfer and innovation from the Netherlands

One of the key benefits of the Kenya-Netherlands partnership is technology transfer and agricultural innovation. The Netherlands is a global leader in greenhouse farming, water-efficient irrigation, and climate-smart agriculture—all of which have been integrated into Kenya’s farming practices.

Dutch firms have introduced greenhouse technology, with many Kenyan farms now using Dutch-designed greenhouses that extend production seasons and improve yields. Drip irrigation and water conservation techniques have been adopted, especially in arid regions, reducing water consumption by up to 60% while increasing yields. Dutch expertise in sustainable pest and disease control has also helped reduce post-harvest losses.

Inside a state-of-the-art greenhouse, showcasing innovative agricultural practices that are driving Kenya’s horticulture sector forward. Photo/KMALD

Dutch investments in research and training institutions have played a critical role. The Horticulture Practical Training Centre (HPTC) in Thika, a collaboration between Kenya and the Netherlands, trains thousands of farmers annually on best agricultural practices.

“Through collaboration with Dutch companies, our farmers are adopting modern agricultural techniques that enhance productivity while ensuring sustainability,” said CS Kagwe. “This is essential for both food security and export competitiveness.”

Job creation and economic impact

The Kenyan horticulture sector is a major employer, providing jobs to both smallholder farmers and workers in large-scale flower farms. The industry employs approximately 150,000 people in flower farms, including greenhouse workers, packers, and logistics personnel. Over 200,000 smallholder farmers grow vegetables and fruits for export, while tens of thousands work in logistics, packaging, and distribution.

Dedicated workers carefully tending to the crops in a greenhouse, embodying the labor that fuels Kenya’s horticultural success. Photo/ KMALD

With the continued expansion of export markets, these numbers are expected to grow, creating more employment opportunities. The Kenya Flower Council (KFC) estimates that an additional 50,000 jobs could be created in the next five years if investment in the sector continues.

“We are committed to ensuring that Kenya remains the leading horticultural exporter in Africa,” Kagwe emphasized. “By strengthening our trade ties with the Netherlands, we will secure more jobs for Kenyans and boost our economy.”

Sustainability and climate adaptation efforts

As climate change poses a growing threat to agriculture, Kenya is adopting sustainable farming methods to maintain horticulture sector growth. Dutch-funded projects have introduced climate-resilient seeds, organic farming practices, and renewable energy solutions for greenhouses.

Rows of lush green plants in a greenhouse, representing the potential and growth within Kenya’s horticulture industry. Photo/KMALD

Several large-scale farms in Kenya now use solar-powered irrigation systems, reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Additionally, water recycling systems have been implemented in flower farms, cutting water usage by over 40%.

With growing concerns over carbon emissions in global trade, the Kenya-Netherlands partnership is also focusing on eco-friendly packaging and transport solutions.

The future of Kenya-Netherlands horticulture collaboration

Looking ahead, Kenya and the Netherlands are working on expanding their trade agreements and exploring new markets in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The Kenya-Netherlands Trade Partnership Program, launched in 2023, aims to increase Kenya’s horticulture exports to the Netherlands by 15% annually.

Kenyan farmers at a greenhouse facility showcasing Dutch-inspired farming techniques, including modern irrigation systems and climate-smart agriculture, to enhance productivity. Photo/KMALD

To further strengthen collaboration, both governments are planning joint research initiatives on climate-smart agriculture, increased Dutch investment in Kenyan agri-tech startups, and expanded logistics infrastructure to improve export efficiency.

“The future of Kenya’s horticulture lies in strong international partnerships, and the Netherlands remains a key ally,” concluded CS Kagwe. “With continued investment, innovation, and collaboration, our horticultural sector will thrive for generations to come.”

Kenya’s horticulture sector stands as a testament to the power of strategic trade partnerships, investment in infrastructure, and innovation in agriculture. The Kenya-Netherlands collaboration has played a vital role in enhancing exports, creating jobs, and ensuring sustainability.

With ongoing investments and a shared commitment to growth, Kenya’s position as a global horticultural leader is set to strengthen in the coming years.