Kenya-Exports to South Africa to resume.

KENYA-Export of Avocadoes to SA to resume

Kenya may soon resume the exportation of avocadoes and meat to South Africa.

This will however depends on findings by a committee formed by the two countries to look into ways of enhancing Kenya-South Africa trade relations.

Trade ministers from the two countries agreed Monday to formulate a committee consisting officials from both countries to harness trade between the two economies.

Kenya’s export to the country is expected to increase if the ban is lifted.

The country exports about five billion Shillings to South Africa annually, while it imports South African goods worth 45 billion Shillings.

South Africa banned Meats and meat products from Kenya following an outbreak of foot and mouth disease early 2007.

More bad news awaited Kenyan farmers after avocadoes were also slapped with a similar ban in 2008 due to fears of pest infestation.

There have been unsuccessful efforts in the past to have the ban lifted, with the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service serving South Africa with documents detailing tests carried out to certify the two products.

But this has borne no fruits, since the ban was imposed in April last year Kenya has lost 80 percent of its fresh avocado exports and meat going down South.

Speaking during a bilateral meeting between the two countries trade minister Amos Kimunya said the committee will also work towards harmonizing trade imbalance that is heavily tilted towards the Southern Africa nation.