Export guide · Kenya

Exporting fresh produce from Kenya

Checked October 2026. Procedures and fees change - always confirm with the agency before you rely on them.

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The full route for a new fresh-produce exporter in Kenya, in the order you need it. Most exporters finish the one-time registrations in 2-4 weeks.

1. One-time registrations (do these first)

KRA PIN and business registration
Register the business (a sole proprietorship is fine to start) and get a KRA PIN. Everything below builds on this.
AFA-HCD horticulture export licence
Register on the AFA IMIS portal and apply for the Horticultural Crops Directorate export licence - the legal requirement to export fruit, vegetables, herbs and flowers. Renew it every year. imis.afa.go.ke
KEPHIS IEICS account
Register on KEPHIS IEICS. This is where you apply for every phytosanitary certificate. ieics.kephis.org
KenTrade single window
Register on the Trade Facilitation Platform (Kenya TradeNet). Export permits and customs documents flow through it, usually lodged by your clearing agent. infotradekenya.go.ke
Certificates of origin
For preferential certificates (EUR.1 for the EU, COMESA, EAC, AGOA) register with the KRA Rules of Origin office: a written application on the Exporter's Registration Form with your incorporation certificate, PIN, VAT registration and HCD export licence. Ordinary certificates of origin for other markets come from the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI). www.kra.go.ke
FPEAK membership (optional)
The Fresh Produce Exporters Association of Kenya gives buyer links, training and industry representation. fpeak.org

2. For every shipment

HCD export certificate
Apply on AFA IMIS against your export licence for each consignment.
KEPHIS phytosanitary certificate
Apply on IEICS 1-2 days before shipping. A KEPHIS inspector checks the consignment at your packhouse or the inspection point; it is issued when the produce passes.
Certificate of origin
EUR.1 (or an origin declaration on the invoice where allowed) for the EU and UK; the right certificate for other markets.
Commercial documents
Commercial invoice, packing list, the customs export entry (through KenTrade, usually by your clearing agent) and the air waybill or bill of lading.

3. Crop rules

Fresh beans and hot peppers to the EU

The EU checks Kenyan fresh beans (10% of consignments) and hot peppers (20%) for pesticide residues at the border, under Regulation 2026/194. Keep the spray diary complete, respect waiting periods, and test residues before shipping.

Peppers, citrus, peaches, pomegranates to the EU

Peppers (Capsicum), citrus other than lemons and limes, peaches and pomegranates going to the EU must meet special rules for false codling moth: a pest-free area or place of production, or a registered production site with an approved systems approach or treatment. The details go on the phytosanitary certificate - agree the option with your plant health agency before the season.

Avocado

AFA opens and closes the export season every year - harvesting or exporting immature fruit is an offence and licences are revoked. For the 2025/26 season fruit needed 20-24% dry matter depending on variety, HCD inspected consignments at JKIA, packhouse inspections were compulsory (apply at least 3 days before shipment), and fruit had to move in crates, not open trucks. Check AFA's notice for the current season.

Avocado to China

Only orchards and packhouses audited by KEPHIS and registered with the Chinese authorities can ship; every container is inspected before export and needs the treatment the protocol sets.

Dry beans and peas

Need a phytosanitary certificate for dry produce; many buyers also ask for a GMO-free certificate.

Cut flowers

Phytosanitary certificate; most exporters also hold Kenya Flower Council (KFC) or MPS certification for market access.

Buyer certifications

Not required by government, but most buyers ask for them.

GLOBALG.A.P. - the entry ticket to most EU and UK supermarkets. Use the Readiness check in the app to see your gaps, then book an audit with a certification body.
KS 1758 - the Kenya Standard code of practice for horticulture, behind the KS 1758 quality mark on fresh produce sold in Kenyan supermarkets.

Time and money: Budget for the HCD licence, per-consignment certificate fees, freight and your clearing agent. Fees change - confirm them on IMIS, IEICS and KenTrade before you rely on a figure.

Who does what

For	Agency	What they do
Phytosanitary certificate	Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS)	Phytosanitary certificate for every consignment. Apply on IEICS (ieics.kephis.org) 1-2 days before shipping; an inspector checks the consignment.
Pesticide registration	Pest Control Products Board (PCPB)	Registers the pesticides that may be sold and used in Kenya. Check a product is registered before you buy it.
Exporter licence / support	AFA - Horticultural Crops Directorate (HCD)	Horticulture exporter licence and per-consignment export certificate, through the AFA IMIS portal. Avocado also needs an HCD maturity test.
Customs and origin	Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)	Customs clearance and EUR.1 certificate of origin for the EU.
Insurance	Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) - imports only	From 1 Nov 2026 KRA blocks clearance of IMPORTS (e.g. packaging, inputs) without digital marine cargo insurance from a Kenyan insurer - bought through your insurer, the KIFWA portal or eCitizen. It does not apply to your exports: under FOB / FCA the buyer insures the goods; under CIF / CIP you do.

Selling to the EU

Kenya sells to the EU duty-free under the EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). Proof of origin: EUR.1 movement certificate, or an origin declaration on the invoice where allowed.

Pesticides: a product registered in Kenya can still be banned or limited in your export market. Check every product in the free checker before you spray, and confirm residues with an accredited lab before shipping.

Sources

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