Kenya’s horticultural exporters and Kenya Airways on Monday inked an agreement to boost the country’s exports by leveraging on the national carrier’s network.
The Fresh Produce Exporters Association of Kenya (FPEAK), Kenya Flower Council (KFC), the Fresh Produce Consortium said in Nairobi that the deal will ensure that KQ is part of the horticulture supply chain.
“Kenya Airways currently handles between 18 and 20 percent of the country’s fresh produce exports. We hope that through this agreement the figure can expand to 30 percent in the next year,” Clement Tulezi, CEO, KFC said.
“In order to grow the horticulture industry every partner must play its role,” Tulezi added.
@maina_betty congratulates@fpc_kenya @FPEAK_ @KenyaAirways @kenyaflower for signing a commitment of collaboration in responding to the sectors’ challenges to supply our local and international consumers with essential fresh produce and flowers at a time of great need. pic.twitter.com/OhOXz0eOeH
— IndustryKE (@IndustryKE) January 18, 2021
Kenya Airways, a member of the Sky Team Alliance, flies to 54 destinations worldwide, 41 in Africa and carries over four million passengers annually, committed to ensuring that there is an international market for the country’s fresh produce.
“We have already seen that over the COVID-19 pandemic period, Kenya Airways has appreciated the place of fresh produce in the country, and they are making a commitment to give us the best service,” Tulezi observed.
Allan Kilavuka, Kenya Airways CEO said cargo currently accounts for between seven and ten percent of its revenues.
“We want to gradually grow the cargo business to 20 percent in the next five years,” he said.
Air cargo continues to be more important than ever, and more so during this pandemic. As a government, we are committed to partner with you and support you in every way possible to ensure that your businesses continue to thrive.@StateHouseKenya @KBCChannel1 @PDUDelivery @ntvkenya pic.twitter.com/tPKRhhsziy
— IndustryKE (@IndustryKE) January 18, 2021
Export earnings from the sector surged 4.6 per cent to KSh151.16 billion in 2020 from KSh144.58 billion earned in 2019.
The sector is among the largest foreign exchange earners alongside tourism and tea.
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