New horticulture levy to fund fumigation facility
Tuesday January 12 2021
By GERALD ANDAE
Summary
Kenya has not been exporting to these key destinations in the last seven years due to presence of fruit flies that forced a number of countries raise the red flag.
Exporters estimate they stand to lose Sh377 million annually following the implementation of the levy that took effect on January 1.
The Directorate of Horticulture said the funds will also be used for research to contain some of the pests that pose a threat to Kenya’s export market.
Funds from the recently established 0.25 percent horticulture export levy will be used to set up a fumigation and hot water plants for processing of mangoes as the country prepares to resume shipments to the US, Europe and other key markets.