Kenya's horticultural products will not be denied entry into the European Union for failing to comply with tractability rules.  The regulations, which came into force on January 1, entail setting up a product information and registration system to make it possible to trace the origin of a food product.  It covers all stages of production, processing and distribution.  Speaking at Trade and Industry minister Mukhisa Kituyi's Office yesterday, the visiting EU Director of trade Mr. Karl Falkenberg, said the regulation had to extraterritorial implication, meaning Kenya's exporters will not be required to satisfy the rule

Private retailers in Europe have also introduced a code of practice on food quality and safety, known as Eurep-Gap.  Kenya is the largest supplier of cut flowers to the EU.

However, trade negotiations by the East African Community are hampered by its configuration.  While Kenya and Uganda are members of Common Market for East and Southern Africa, Tanzania is a member of Southern Africa Development Cooperation.

Dr. Kituyi said Tanzania had been slow in rejoining Comesa, making it hard for East African countries to negotiate under one bloc.

Tana River District's horticultural farmers suffer losses of more than Sh50 million every ear in wasted produce due to bad roads.  The more than 250 small-scale farmers transport their produce to markets and fruit processors in Mombasa, more than 250kms away, by road.