In a major win for Kenyan agriculture, the first-ever consignment of fresh apple mangoes has successfully landed in the United Kingdom, marking a historic milestone for the country's fresh produce sector. The pilot shipment, flagged off on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), represents the culmination of years of strategic efforts to meet the UK's stringent quality and safety standards.

This breakthrough is more than just a trade deal; it is a direct lifeline to thousands of small-scale farmers, particularly in counties like Makueni, who stand to gain from increased incomes and a stable, high-value market. The move diversifies Kenya's agricultural export portfolio and strengthens its position as a competitive global supplier of premium fresh produce.

Unlocking Economic Potential

The entry into the UK market signals a new era for Kenya's horticultural sector, one of the nation's top foreign exchange earners. Officials emphasized that this initiative is a core part of Kenya's strategy to promote value addition and enhance export competitiveness. "This flag-off signals Kenya's growing footprint in high-value export markets and reflects strong collaboration between government agencies, development partners and the private sector," noted Floice Mukabana, CEO of the Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEPROBA).

The successful pilot could pave the way for sustained commercial shipments, creating jobs across the value chain, from farms to logistics. Lilian Mwai, Country Director for TradeMark Africa, highlighted the vast opportunities for job creation and increased incomes that new markets like the UK offer.

Meeting World-Class Standards

Gaining access to the UK was not simple. It required a concerted effort to overcome challenges, particularly the historical issue of fruit flies which led to a self-imposed ban on mango exports to the EU years ago. Kenya has since established robust systems to manage pests, including creating pest-free zones and implementing treatment protocols like hot water treatment to meet strict international phytosanitary standards.

Key players involved in making the shipment a reality include:

• Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS): Ensured compliance with UK's rigorous pest control and food safety requirements.
• Kenya Airways Cargo: Provided the critical logistics to transport the perishable goods efficiently.
• Fresh Produce Exporters Association of Kenya (FPEAK): Collaborated to prepare exporters for the market's demands on traceability and sustainability.

"This pilot export is proof that Kenyan farmers and exporters can consistently meet global requirements," said Capt. George Kamal, Acting CEO of Kenya Airways Cargo, during the flag-off ceremony.

A Sweet Future for Farmers

The apple mango, a unique Kenyan variety prized for its sweet, fibre-free flesh and vibrant colour, is now set for the global stage. With two harvest seasons a year, the crop offers a reliable production cycle for the export market. This new trade corridor offers a hopeful future, promising not just profits, but a sustainable livelihood for the farming communities that are the backbone of Kenya's economy. As Hosea Machuki, CEO of FPEAK, noted, this pilot should set the benchmark for all future exports, cementing Kenya's reputation for quality and reliability.