Murang’a Farmers Win International Certification, Unlocking Direct Route to European Produce Markets

A horticultural farmers’ cooperative in Murang’a County has secured an internationally recognised certification that will allow its members to export fresh produce directly to European markets, marking a significant milestone for the county’s growing horticulture sector.

The Gatuura Horticulture Farmers’ Cooperative Society in Kandara Sub-county became the first farmers’ group in Murang’a to receive the certification after completing an extensive compliance programme supported by Trademark Africa and development partners.

The certification confirms that the cooperative meets internationally accepted standards for food safety, product quality, traceability and good agricultural practices. It also positions members to access premium export markets where certified produce often attracts higher prices and more stable buyers.

Speaking during the presentation of the certification licence at Kiiri Market in Kandara, Trademark Africa Chief Executive Officer Joyce Wambui Gema said the achievement reflected years of dedication by farmers who embraced strict production and quality requirements.

She explained that the certification process involved comprehensive soil testing, detailed farm record-keeping, regular inspections, environmental compliance assessments and interviews, alongside the adoption of internationally recognised farming practices.

“It has been a long journey, but the Gatuura farmers remained committed throughout the process. They have now earned the right to market their produce to Europe and other international destinations under globally recognised standards,” Gema said.

She noted that the certification is expected to improve market access for the cooperative by connecting farmers with reliable international buyers while increasing household incomes through better returns on quality produce.

According to Gema, the success of the Gatuura cooperative is expected to inspire wider adoption of export standards across the county. She revealed that 22 other farmers’ groups in Murang’a are currently undergoing similar certification processes and could qualify for international markets in the coming months.

Gatuura Horticulture Farmers’ Cooperative Society Chairman Lawrence Kiguro described the certification as a historic achievement that will transform opportunities for the group’s members, who produce avocados, coffee and a range of horticultural crops.

He said the process demanded discipline, teamwork and consistent adherence to quality standards but had equipped farmers with valuable skills in production management, record-keeping and quality assurance that would continue to benefit them beyond certification.

Following the certification ceremony, officials from Trademark Africa and the cooperative toured an avocado farm in Kiawambutu Village, where they advised growers on orchard management, pest and disease control, harvesting techniques and post-harvest handling to ensure produce consistently meets export specifications.

Murang’a has emerged as one of Kenya’s leading producers of export avocados, with many smallholder farmers increasingly adopting global production standards to meet rising demand in international markets. County officials and development partners believe wider certification will strengthen the county’s reputation as a reliable supplier of high-quality horticultural produce while increasing foreign exchange earnings and creating more sustainable income opportunities for farming households.

The certification is also expected to encourage more producer groups to pursue internationally recognised standards, helping expand Kenya’s horticultural exports and improve the competitiveness of smallholder farmers in premium global markets.