Nakuru: The County Government of Nakuru has initiated a comprehensive training program aimed at small holder farmers across all 11 Sub-Counties, focusing on sanitary and safety standards for the production, handling, and sale of horticultural produce, including flowers, ornamentals, fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices. Already, over 200 farmers from Bahati Sub-County have completed the training, which is designed to meet mandatory standards for local, regional, European Union (EU), and other export markets.
According to Kenya News Agency, the initiative is spearheaded by Kabatini Ward Agricultural Officer Ms. Ruth Njoroge, who stated that the program aims to align Kenya’s horticultural produce with the KS1758 food safety standard. This standard ensures the supply of high-quality, healthy, and safe produce for both domestic and international markets. KS 1758 is a crucial code of practice for the horticulture industry, detailing the necessary sanitary and safety criteria for various produce types.
During a session at Mwaki Mugi Kwa Amos Village in Bahati Sub-County, Ms. Njoroge emphasized that the initiative targets enhancing produce quality, minimizing pesticide risks, and improving market access for farmers. This effort supports Kenya’s broader goal of establishing safer and more sustainable food systems. The horticulture industry has recognized the sub-sector’s significance and its challenges, resulting in the development of a code of practice to regulate production and ensure high standards.
Ms. Njoroge highlighted the importance of implementing KS 1758 at the grassroots level to ensure food safety, particularly for young farmers aiming for international markets. The training covered key issues such as post-harvest handling, labor safety, pesticide use, plant nutrition, traceability, and record keeping, with a focus on food safety, quality, and hygiene.
The Ward Agricultural Officer explained that this initiative aligns with Governor Susan Kihika’s administration’s efforts to strengthen the horticultural sector’s compliance with food safety and export regulations. As Kenya seeks to boost its horticultural sector’s competitiveness, the National Agri-Food Systems Investment Plan 2026-2030 has been proposed, emphasizing stronger monitoring of agrochemical residues and public awareness of Maximum Residue Levels in food.
According to the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), Kenya exported 16,208 tonnes of vegetables between April and June 2025, earning Sh4.56 billion, up from Sh3.60 billion in the same period in 2024. However, Kenya’s horticultural export market still faces food safety challenges related to pesticide residue compliance. Vegetable export earnings saw a decline from KSh50.9 billion in 2023 to Sh23.5 billion in 2024, partly due to increased Maximum Residue Level interceptions.
Ms. Njoroge addressed the challenges posed by phytosanitary diseases and pests, noting that some recommended agrochemicals are banned in the EU. As a result, the use of these chemicals often leads to high residue levels, affecting exports. The EU has set strict regulations, requiring produce to contain no more than 2 percent of sprayed chemicals.
Trainers at the event emphasized adherence to strict pesticide use regulations, mandatory government inspections, and the importance of public-private partnerships. They also stressed the necessity of robust monitoring and documentation systems for compliance.
Farmers were introduced to Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques and organic pesticides as alternatives to reduce reliance on synthetic chemicals. County agriculture officials stated that the training aims to ensure farmers understand that food safety begins at the farm and continues through harvesting, handling, and marketing.
Ms. Njoroge concluded by highlighting the global promotion of Integrated Pest Management by the Food and Agriculture Organization, which advocates for combining biological, physical, cultural, and chemical methods to control pests while minimizing pesticide use and risks. This approach not only protects biodiversity and water resources but also enhances farm profitability through better-quality produce.
Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Kenya’s economy, contributing about 24 percent of the country’s GDP and supporting approximately 72 percent of the population. County officials emphasized that continued promotion of sustainable technologies and farmer education will enhance food quality, protect the environment, and create stronger market opportunities for producers.
