The future of locally-based business organizations is getting brighter following vigorous activities by the Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEPROBA) in securing the international market for their products.
The Agency which was established in 2019 after the merger of the Export Promotion Council (EPC) and the Brand Kenya Board (BKB), has also been holding numerous training and mentoring sessions for members of such organizations, to enlighten them on the basic requirements for exporting their products.
One such organization is the Meru Herbs, which was established by the Catholic Diocese of Meru and deals with purely organic products.
The Organization has been producing herbal jams, hibiscus tea, and lemon tea among other products, which they export to countries like Japan and Italy. They have also acquired new markets in Scotland and Canada.
During a field visit to the organisation, the Agency’s Trade Advisory Services Manager, Mr Charles Tumbo, lauded it for the tremendous work they have been doing and especially maintaining their standards in processing of organic products.
“We have been working with Meru Herbs for quite some time and providing capacity building on how to export and access international markets, as well as how to adapt our products to the international markets, so that they can get into their market shelves,” said Mr Tumbo.
He said their close working relationship has also enabled them to travel to Europe, for example the Netherlands, where they have accessed market for their produce.
“I am delighted that Meru Herbs has adapted to the requirements and standards of international markets and we are hoping that more will open soon,” said Mr Tumbo.
Mr Tumbo said the Agency has also been popularising available products in various counties with a view of positioning them for global markets.
The Agency, Mr Tumbo added, also undertakes various workshops, where organizations are guided on the procedures and requirements for exporting.
He said once they receive enquires about a product from an organization like Meru Herbs, they forward them to the relevant organization for the supply to be done.
Mr Joseph Mwai from the Meru Herbs lauded the agency for its efforts, adding that it has played a crucial role in acquiring markets for their products.
“Very few people within our locality know the importance of organic products that we produce here, therefore, they form a very insignificant segment of our market. We mainly rely on international markets and thank the Agency for its continued support in accessing them,” said Mr Mwai.
He however said they are working hard to convince the community around so that they can also be consumers of the products in their bid to expand their territories.
Mwai said Meru Herbs so far concentrate on five crops that are registered as organic and these include Hibiscus, which is used to produce jam, juice, and wine, Camomile, Lemon grass for lemon tea, Cell ginger, and Moringa.
By Dickson Mwiti
