Future prospects

Kittony hoped that more horticulture export companies will be set up as China continues to open its market to Africa. “Visa restrictions [to China] are not as stringent compared to those of European countries,” said Kittony. He also questioned whether or not in future Chinese farmers would farm in Kenya and export their produce back home.

“Land policies under current Kenyan laws are already in place and foreigners can own land. I hope more and more Chinese are settling here and work with Kenyan citizens,” said Kittony, hinting that anything was possible.

More than 50 percent of Kenyan agricultural exports comprises horticulture, Kittony added. Other Kenyan exports to China include tea, coffee, beef, crocodile meat, and textiles.

Kenya also hopes to export exotic meat products to China such as impala and ostrich by next year. More than 10 other African countries are also exporting horticulture, including South Africa, Nigeria, Tunisia and Namibia.

(Reporting from Kenya)