The signing of the framework of cooperation between Kenya Flower Council and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands was to strengthen the efforts in 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 KFC board Mr. Richard Fernandes signing the framework

Recently the Government of the Netherlands and Kenya Flower Council 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 this 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 was to strengthen the efforts in adoption of sea freight for perishables in Kenya. To realize this, a fulltime position of an agro-logistics coordinator was 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. Earlier, The Netherlands had commissioned a study to gain insights into the challenges and opportunities of sea freight developments in Kenya and the impact on its agro-sector. The study on sea freight opportunities was to accelerate Kenya’s agricultural exports.

• Kenya’s global competitiveness
By combining both air and sea transport, Kenya would be wellpositioned 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).