Kenya and Italy Strengthen Agricultural Ties with New Partnership
Kenya and Italy have taken a significant step to bolster their agricultural trade through a new partnership. The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has joined forces with MACFRUT, an internationally recognized Italian fruit and vegetable exhibition platform, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at enhancing agricultural collaboration between the two nations.
The MOU signing ceremony, held at a Nairobi hotel, was attended by various stakeholders from both countries. Italian Ambassador to Kenya, Roberto Natali, highlighted that the partnership, which follows over a year of discussions, would provide a major boost to Kenya’s agriculture sector—a vital component of the nation’s economy. He emphasized that the collaboration would enhance Kenya’s agricultural exports while ensuring they meet Italy's high-quality standards.
“With a youthful population, the development of agriculture is crucial. Italy will offer its expertise in value addition, and knowledge-sharing will benefit both countries,” said Ambassador Natali.
This new partnership aims to expand Kenya’s agricultural exports, particularly focusing on high-demand products such as avocados, which currently represent only a small fraction of Kenya’s total exports to Europe. Dr. Bruno Linyiru, Director General of AFA, stressed the need to improve product quality and expand Kenya’s market reach in Italy.
"We can do more, especially with our diverse varieties of avocados. This partnership will help us enhance quality and diversify our exports," Linyiru noted.
Renzo Piraccini, President of MACFRUT, underscored the long-standing relationship between Italian exporters and Kenyan farmers, emphasizing that MACFRUT is more than just an exhibition platform. “It’s a chance for networking and knowledge exchange,” Piraccini stated.
The event encouraged Kenyan exporters and farmers to engage directly with Italian importers, fostering stronger trade connections. Looking ahead, plans are already in place for Kenya’s participation in the upcoming MACFRUT exhibition in May 2025, further solidifying the growing agricultural collaboration between the two nations.
