Kenya has taken a significant step in expanding its horticultural exports with the official flag-off of the country’s first pilot shipment of apple mangoes to the United Kingdom, signalling growing confidence in the sector’s ability to meet stringent international market standards.
The pilot export was flagged off by Kenya Airways Cargo, positioning the national carrier at the centre of efforts to open new trade corridors for Kenyan fresh produce. The move is expected to create new opportunities for local farmers, exporters and logistics providers while strengthening Kenya’s presence in high-value global markets.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, Kenya Airways Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Capt. George Kamal underscored the importance of collaboration in unlocking new export opportunities and sustaining access to international markets.
“This pilot shipment demonstrates Kenya’s readiness to meet global standards while strengthening value chains and supporting higher incomes for farmers,” Capt. Kamal said. “Strong partnerships are critical in opening new trade corridors, and we remain committed to linking Kenyan farmers to international markets in a reliable, efficient and competitive manner.”
Opening a new market for apple mangoes
Apple mangoes are widely grown by smallholder farmers across several counties, including Makueni, Machakos, Murang’a and parts of the coastal region. Despite their popularity in domestic and regional markets, access to premium destinations such as the UK has been limited by quality, phytosanitary and logistics requirements.
The pilot export is intended to test market acceptance, logistics efficiency and compliance with UK import standards, including traceability, food safety and cold-chain integrity. If successful, industry players say it could pave the way for regular commercial shipments and attract new investment into mango value chains.
Horticulture remains one of Kenya’s leading foreign exchange earners, alongside tea and tourism. While flowers and vegetables dominate exports to Europe, fruits such as mangoes have long been identified as a growth area, particularly as Kenya seeks to diversify markets and reduce reliance on a narrow range of products.
Role of Kenya Airways Cargo
Kenya Airways Cargo plays a critical role in transporting fresh produce to international destinations, leveraging Nairobi’s position as a regional aviation hub. The airline has in recent years stepped up efforts to support agricultural exports, particularly perishables that require speed, reliability and temperature-controlled logistics.
Capt. Kamal said the airline’s cargo division is focused on ensuring exporters have access to dependable air freight services that preserve product quality and competitiveness in global markets.
By facilitating the pilot shipment, Kenya Airways Cargo is positioning itself as a strategic partner to exporters as they explore new destinations and expand volumes to existing ones.
“Our role goes beyond transportation. It is about enabling trade, supporting farmers and helping Kenya compete effectively in global markets,” he said.
Broad industry and government support
The flag-off event brought together key players from across the horticulture value chain, reflecting the multi-agency coordination required to unlock export markets.
Among those present were Okisegere Ojepat, chief executive of the Fresh Produce Consortium, and Hosea Machuki, chief executive of the Fresh Produce Exporters Association of Kenya (FPEAK), both of whom have been at the forefront of advocating for improved market access and compliance among exporters.
Representatives from government-linked agencies also attended, including Walter Agong, operations manager at the Kenya Airports Authority, Lillian Mwai Ndegwa, country director at TradeMark Africa, and Floice Mukabana, chief executive of the Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEPROBA). Kenya Airways Cargo Director Fitsum Abadi was also in attendance.
Industry players say the presence of these stakeholders underscores the importance of coordinated efforts in addressing regulatory, infrastructure and trade facilitation challenges that often limit export growth.
TradeMark Africa, for instance, has been involved in initiatives aimed at improving trade logistics and reducing the cost of doing business, while KEPROBA focuses on promoting Kenyan products and strengthening branding in international markets.
Strengthening farmer incomes and value chains
A key objective of expanding fruit exports is to improve incomes for farmers by linking them to higher-value markets. Apple mangoes, when sold into premium export channels, can command significantly better prices compared with domestic markets, particularly during periods of oversupply.
Industry officials say successful entry into the UK market could encourage farmers to invest more in quality improvement, post-harvest handling and compliance with export standards, creating a virtuous cycle of higher productivity and earnings.
Exporters also stand to benefit from a more diversified product portfolio, reducing exposure to price fluctuations and demand shifts in traditional export categories.
According to sector players, the pilot shipment is part of a broader strategy to move Kenyan horticulture up the value chain, with greater emphasis on quality, consistency and branding rather than volume alone.
Meeting global standards
Accessing the UK market requires strict adherence to food safety, traceability and sustainability standards. The pilot export is seen as a test of Kenya’s ability to meet these requirements at scale.
Capt. Kamal said the shipment demonstrates not only compliance with technical standards but also the effectiveness of partnerships across the value chain, from farm-level production to airport operations and air transport.
“This is about demonstrating readiness and building confidence among buyers and regulators,” he said.
Industry bodies such as FPEAK and the Fresh Produce Consortium have been working with exporters and farmers to strengthen compliance systems, including training on good agricultural practices, certification and cold-chain management.
Export diversification strategy
Kenya’s export sector has in recent years faced headwinds from global economic uncertainty, currency volatility and changing consumer preferences. As a result, policymakers and industry players have placed renewed emphasis on diversifying both products and markets.
The UK remains a key destination for Kenyan horticultural exports, but competition is intense, and buyers are increasingly demanding year-round supply, consistency and sustainability credentials.
By introducing apple mangoes into the export mix, Kenya is seeking to tap into niche opportunities while reducing over-reliance on traditional exports such as flowers and avocados.
Officials say the pilot shipment will provide valuable data on pricing, demand and logistics, informing decisions on scaling up exports and attracting private sector investment.
Looking ahead
Kenya Airways Cargo and its partners say they are committed to building on the pilot shipment by scaling exports and opening additional markets for Kenyan fresh produce.
“Together with our partners, we remain committed to scaling exports, diversifying markets and supporting sustainable growth for Kenya’s fresh produce sector,” the airline said.
If the pilot proves successful, industry players expect increased volumes, more regular shipments and broader participation by farmers and exporters.
For Kenya’s horticulture sector, the flag-off of the first apple mango export to the UK represents more than a single shipment. It signals a broader push to position the country as a reliable supplier of high-quality fresh produce in global markets, with the potential to deliver long-term benefits across the agricultural value chain.
