The Agriculture and Food Authority – Horticultural Crops Directorate (AFA-HCD) is a statutory government agency under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development in Kenya, tasked with the regulation, promotion, and development of Kenya’s horticultural sub-sector. Operating from Nairobi, AFA-HCD serves as the central authority guiding stakeholders across the horticultural value chain—from farmers and exporters to processors and international trade partners.
Organization Background
AFA-HCD was established under the Agriculture and Food Authority Act No. 13 of 2013, consolidating regulatory functions that were previously under the Horticultural Crops Development Authority (HCDA). The Directorate is one of several under the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), focusing specifically on horticultural crops including vegetables, fruits, herbs, nuts, ornamentals, and spices.
Through a mandate encompassing policy implementation, compliance monitoring, traceability, market linkage, and technical support, AFA-HCD plays a critical role in supporting Kenya’s position as a leading horticultural exporter in Africa.
Core Functions
AFA-HCD’s primary functions include:
- Formulation and enforcement of regulations and standards for horticultural production and export
- Licensing and accreditation of exporters, nurseries, aggregators, and marketing agents
- Implementation of traceability systems, such as the National Horticulture Traceability System (NHTS)
- Technical training and capacity building for farmers and agribusinesses
- Promotion of Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) and compliance with international market requirements
- Data collection and sector performance reporting
- Facilitation of market access and promotion of Kenyan horticultural produce globally
The Directorate acts as both a regulator and an enabler, fostering sustainability and competitiveness in the sector.
Mandated Crops and Sector Scope
AFA-HCD oversees a wide range of horticultural crops grouped into:
- Fruits: Avocado, Mango, Pineapple, Banana, Passion Fruit, Citrus, Papaya, Watermelon, Guava
- Vegetables: French Beans, Snow Peas, Tomatoes, Onions, Cabbage, Carrots, Eggplant
- Herbs & Spices: Basil, Rosemary, Ginger, Chilli, Coriander
- Flowers & Ornamentals: Roses, Carnations, Hypericum, Gypsophila
- Nuts: Macadamia, Cashew
- Indigenous Vegetables: Amaranth, Spider Plant, Nightshade
These crops form a major part of Kenya’s agricultural exports, contributing significantly to GDP, rural employment, and food security.
Unique Role and Value Proposition
- Policy Implementation Authority: Executes national and county policies relating to horticulture under legal backing of the AFA Act and Crops Act.
- Market Access Facilitator: Negotiates phytosanitary protocols and trade standards to expand Kenya’s access to global markets.
- Enabler of Compliance and Certification: Supports growers and exporters to meet EU, UK, and GCC compliance benchmarks such as GlobalG.A.P. and KS-1758.
- Traceability Leader: Developed and implemented the National Horticulture Traceability System (NHTS) for secure, transparent farm-to-market tracking.
- Standards Harmonization Advocate: Participated in development of KS-1758: the Kenyan standard for safe production and handling of fruits and vegetables.
- Export Readiness Training: Offers technical support and GAP training to farmer cooperatives and SMEs.
Sector and Impact Data
According to 2023 AFA reports and national statistics:
- Horticulture sector value: KES 157 billion (~USD 1.1 billion)
- Total exports: 477,000 metric tons of fresh produce
- Top export categories:
- Cut flowers (USD 630M+)
- Vegetables (USD 150M+)
- Fruits (USD 140M+)
- Export destinations:
- EU (Netherlands, Germany, France)
- UK
- Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia)
- Asia (India, China for avocado and mango)
Kenya is the top flower exporter to Europe, and among the leading African exporters of avocados, French beans, and mangoes.
Target Stakeholders
AFA-HCD works with:
- Farmers and farmer groups
- Exporters and processors
- Nursery operators and aggregators
- County governments
- Development partners (e.g., USAID, EU, FAO)
- International certification bodies
- Buyers and importers of Kenyan produce
The Directorate serves as the focal point for all horticulture-related regulatory and promotional activity within Kenya’s agricultural framework.
Capabilities and Programs
- National Horticulture Traceability System (NHTS) for electronic traceability from farm to export point
- Compliance audits and inspections for licensed exporters and aggregators
- Export documentation and verification
- Data portal for horticulture sector statistics and market trends
- Capacity-building programs for over 100,000 farmers annually
- Public-Private Dialogue (PPD) facilitation for policy improvement
Through strategic collaborations, AFA-HCD drives inclusive growth and competitiveness in Kenya’s horticulture industry.
Certifications and Legal Mandate
AFA-HCD operates under legal and regulatory frameworks including:
- Agriculture and Food Authority Act (2013)
- Crops Act (2013)
- KS-1758 – Kenya’s code of practice for horticultural production and handling
- GlobalG.A.P. promotion and facilitation
- Plant Health Inspectorate collaboration for phytosanitary certifications
Its compliance frameworks ensure alignment with international food safety and export standards.
Partner and Stakeholder Testimonials
“The Horticultural Crops Directorate has been instrumental in helping small-scale avocado farmers become export compliant, especially through KS-1758 training.”
— Chairperson, Avocado Growers Cooperative, Murang’a County
“Their leadership in traceability and market linkage has positioned Kenya as a consistent supplier to the EU and UK fresh produce markets.”
— Export Manager, Nairobi-based Fruit Export Company
Major Achievements
- Developed and launched Kenya’s National Horticulture Traceability System (NHTS) in 2020
- Spearheaded KS-1758 standardization for fruit and vegetable safety and quality
- Facilitated Kenya’s avocado access to China and India through phytosanitary negotiations
- Supported training of over 150,000 horticulture value chain actors in good agricultural and post-harvest practices
- Played a central role in achieving Zero Alert Status for pesticide residue compliance in the EU Rapid Alert System (RASFF) for Kenyan produce
With its strong regulatory foundation, innovation in traceability, and commitment to sectoral growth, the Agriculture and Food Authority – Horticultural Crops Directorate continues to position Kenya as a global leader in the sustainable and safe production of horticultural crops.