Kenya and the Netherlands strengthens transportation of flowers by sea by signing a Framework of Cooperation

The signing of the framework of cooperation between Kenya Flower  Council and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is set to strengthen the efforts in adoption of sea freight for perishables in Kenya.

The Government of the Netherlands and Kenya Flower Council have signed a Framework of Cooperation on adoption of sea freight for perishables in Kenya. The Ambassador of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Mr. Maarten Brouwer and the Chairman of the Kenya Flower Council board Mr. Richard Fernandes signed the framework during the opening of the International Floriculture Trade Exhibition (IFTEX) at Oshwal Center in Nairobi, Kenya.

The signing of the framework of cooperation between the Kenya Flower Council and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is set to strengthen the efforts in adoption of sea freight for perishables in Kenya. To realize this, a fulltime position of an agro-logistics coordinator has been developed to coordinate the initiative. The incumbent will be based at Kenya Flower Council for two years.

How will this affect business?

• Cooperation on logistics

The framework of cooperation is a continuation on the cooperation between Kenya and the Netherlands in logistics. This cooperation was emphasized during the April 2022 visit to Kenya by Minister for International Trade and Development Cooperation Ms. Liesje Schreinemacher. Together with Cabinet Secretary of Transport H.E. James Macharia, EGH, they signed a Letter of Intent on the shared ambition to improve the connection of ports through a ‘Cool Logistics Corridor’ on the 4th of April 2022. Kenya and the Netherlands strengthen ties during visit of Minister Liesje Schreinemacher .

Earlier, The Netherlands commissioned a study to gain insights into the challenges and opportunities of sea freight developments in Kenya and the impact on its agro-sector A study on sea freight opportunities to accelerate Kenya’s agricultural exports.

• Kenya’s global competitiveness

By combining both air and sea transport, Kenya would be well-positioned to become the East-African perishable hub and ready for the future. It is however important to incorporate the supply chain requirements of perishable goods in new infrastructures. For instance, Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), ports, container depots as well as realizing efficient customs clearance procedures of perishable goods leaving Kenya for example. There is know-how and expertise in the Netherlands geared towards achieving this. Within the Framework of Cooperation, the Kenya Flower Council and the Netherlands commit to work on the adoption of sea freight for perishables in Kenya, which will lead to clear benefits for the Kenyan public and private sector. The transition for Kenya to become the East-African perishable hub will not only lead to more jobs (SDG 8), but also to a significant reduction in the carbon footprint (SDG 13).

• Kenya and the Netherlands history in trade

Kenya and the Netherlands have a long-standing cooperation that spans over 40 years. Kenya has been a large horticulture producer and exporter for decades, bringing the country significant forex earnings and hundreds of thousands of jobs. Most of the export comprises of flowers, fruits and vegetables. The Netherlands, being the biggest horticulture trader in the world is a strong trade partner for Kenya. The Netherlands highly values the horticultural trade relationship with Kenya and sees big opportunities in realizing reliable sea freight for perishables.

Key to the success of the Framework will be the close collaboration between the key stakeholders including both governments of Kenya and the Netherlands, logistics companies, trade associations, growers, exporters and other relevant private sector players.

Both countries have much to gain from further developing the Kenyan sea freight capacity.

Investments done by the Kenyan government in port and inland networks provide opportunities for a logistics infrastructure which supports adoption of agricultural exports to sea freight. The Netherlands has the technical expertise in this area and looks forward to working together with Kenya in the development of the cold logistics for sustainable trade.