Kenya is setting the stage for a major surge in agricultural exports to Georgia, building on a strong 2024 performance where Kenya shipped KSh 821 million worth of produce compared to just KSh 58 million in imports.
The imbalance,heavily in Kenya’s favour,signals a golden opportunity for farmers as the country positions itself to dominate emerging markets in the Caucasus region.
Fresh-cut flowers remain Kenya’s strongest export, valued at KSh 777.8 million last year, followed by tea, fruits and coffee. And now, Kenya wants to push these numbers even higher.
During a high-level meeting with Georgia’s Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, H.E. David Songulashvili, Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Sen. Mutahi Kagwe made clear that Kenya is aggressively expanding its export footprint.
CS Kagwe emphasized that the next phase is not just exporting more—but exporting better, through structured market entry, premium packaging, and stronger distribution networks across Georgia and the wider Caucasus region.
“Kenya is pushing to expand access for its top exports to Georgia. With flowers already at KSh 777.8 million, we are looking at exponential growth. Our farmers must benefit from diversified, premium markets,” he said.
The two ministers agreed to fast-track market access by clearing the bottlenecks that slow down Kenya’s agricultural exports, including: Faster SPS approvals, Stronger food safety certifications and A new Kenya–Georgia Joint Working Group to aggressively open markets and protect farmer earnings
Kenya also moved to secure a new, stable source of fertilizer—critical for lowering farming costs. CS Kagwe warned against Kenya’s heavy reliance on Ukraine, cautioning that disruptions could cripple local food production.
Georgia confirmed interest in supplying fertilizer to Kenya and partnering on local blending and production offering farmers more competitive pricing and consistent availability.
The talks also delivered a major step forward for Kenya’s water and irrigation agenda. Georgia’s advanced irrigation systems and water-resource technology will be integrated into: ASAL irrigation schemes, Solar-powered water systems and Modern greenhouse technologies
These technologies are expected to raise productivity and strengthen Kenya’s food security.
Kenya and Georgia will also partner on: Digital farming tools and precision agriculture, Livestock vaccines, diagnostics and genetics, Joint research between KALRO and Georgian institutions, Global-standard SPS training and traceability systems.
This collaboration will modernize farming, reduce post-harvest losses and improve product quality.
CS Kagwe underscored the dangers of over-reliance on Ukrainian wheat and a few grain suppliers, noting that global disruptions can severely affect Kenya’s wheat, maize and rice supply chains.
“Kenya must diversify its food import sources. Alternative partnerships mean security for our people and stability for our farmers,” he said.
The two countries agreed to develop a Kenya–Georgia Agriculture MoU that will formalize cooperation, drive investment, and support joint ventures in agro-processing, agri-logistics, warehousing and agricultural innovation.
Minister Songulashvili reaffirmed Georgia’s commitment, calling Kenya a key partner for agricultural distribution and market access across the region.
