NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 27 – The government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Netherlands to develop a cool-logistics corridor that is set to boost Kenya’s horticultural exports.
The MoU was signed by Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and the Dutch Ambassador to Kenya, Maarten Brouwer, yesterday.
The cool-logistics corridor will run from Mombasa to Malaba and involve aspects of logistics such as port facilities, transportation networks, and regulatory frameworks that will outline new standards for transporting fresh produce by sea.
According to the CS, this agreement will be pivotal in ensuring private investment in cool logistics infrastructure to increase the exportation of fresh produce by sea.
Murkomen is optimistic that this move will significantly boost job opportunities in the horticultural and agro-logistics industries.
“A well-functioning sea freight logistics system for perishables could double or even triple Kenya’s horticultural exports, and that could create up to 3 million jobs in the horticultural and agro-logistics industries,” he stated.
The CS affirmed that the logistics system will significantly propel Kenya’s competitiveness in exporting perishables.
The CS is positive that the new MOU will be instrumental in reinforcing trade and transport sectors in both Kenya and the Netherlands, as well as development cooperation.
Furthermore, he noted that Kenya-Netherlands trade relations have shown remarkable achievements over the years, where he revealed that nearly half of Kenya’s flower exports go to the Netherlands, with avocado exports also increasing substantially.
“The collaboration on the cool-logistics corridor will further deepen relations between Kenya and the Netherlands, which are gateways to East Africa and Europe, respectively,” he stated.
