Horticulture exporters face new levy as government proposes tighter industry controls

Export of horticultural produce, including fruits, vegetables and flowers, will attract a levy of 0.25 percent under proposed regulations aimed at promoting, developing and regulating the industry to meet international standards on product quality and food safety.

The levy, calculated on the customs value of exported horticultural produce and avocado crude oil, could put upward pressure on the prices of Kenyan produce in overseas markets, including avocados, mangoes, pineapples, French beans and snow peas.