Kenya, alongside Ethiopia, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda, has been chosen to spearhead the COMESA East Africa Communality (EAC) Horticultural Accelerator (CEHA) initiative. CEHA aims to enhance the horticultural sector across Eastern and Southern Africa.
Dr. Mohamed Kadah, Assistant Secretary General Programmes at the COMESA secretariat, outlined CEHA’s vision during the launch of its Kenya Chapter. By 2031, CEHA aims to establish climate-smart horticulture value chains to drive income growth and job creation throughout the region.
Three priority anchor value chains have been identified: avocado, onion, and Irish potatoes, selected based on production capacity and market growth.
CEHA adopts a bottom-up approach, empowering national-level stakeholders, particularly the horticulture private sector, to shape strategic priorities at the regional level.
Alfred K’ombudo, representing Kenya’s Principal State Department for Trade, emphasized the potential of Irish potatoes and avocados to address food security challenges and boost export earnings.
ACTESA CEO, Dr. John Mukuka, highlighted the transformative impact of CEHA, estimating that avocado, onion, and Irish potato could generate a combined USD 230 million in additional value per year, benefiting around 450,000 smallholder farmers.
As Kenya takes the lead in CEHA implementation, collaborative efforts are underway to harness the full potential of horticulture for sustainable economic growth across the region.
photo source: Google
By: Montel Kamau
Serrari Financial Analyst
13th May,2024
