Prime Cabinet Secretary Mudavadi Backs Kenya Hosting Africa Horticulture Centre

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said he welcomes the Co-operative University of Kenya’s readiness to host the proposed Africa Horticulture Centre, calling the plan a strategic chance for Kenya to strengthen its continental profile in horticulture.

He made the comments on October 6 while meeting with CUK Chancellor Dr Benard Chitunga to review progress after the Cabinet gave approval to the Chancellor’s Legacy Programme.

The two officials discussed the practical steps needed to set up the Centre and the diplomatic and policy assistance that the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs could provide.

Mudavadi stressed that coordinated backing from government agencies is vital to convert the Cabinet decision into a functioning autonomous, non-profit intergovernmental body based in Nairobi.

The Africa Horticulture Centre is planned to bring together research, training, data management, policy advice, enterprise development and technology commercialisation through four pillars – the AHC Academy, HortiStat, Policy and Business Advisory and the Innovation Oasis.

He noted that the horticultural sector across Africa is valued at roughly USD 50-60 billion each year but still accounts for a relatively small portion of the continent’s agricultural output and global trade.

The institution aims to tackle challenges such as fragmented research coordination, limited investment, weak commercialisation routes, inadequate market intelligence and high post-harvest losses.

By locating the Centre in Nairobi, Mudavadi said Kenya can link governments, research institutions, development partners and private investors from across the continent.

He added that the Centre could support the African Continental Free Trade Area by encouraging intra-African trade, value addition and the harmonisation of horticultural standards.

Public-private partnerships in laboratory facilities, digital platforms, cold-chain infrastructure and renewable energy are also expected to arise from the Centre’s work.

Mudavadi emphasised that sustained, coordinated government support is required to move the project beyond the Cabinet approval stage and to forge stronger links between producers, researchers, policymakers, businesses and markets.

He concluded that the Centre will enable Kenya to share its horticultural experience, attract investment and broaden market opportunities for farmers and enterprises throughout Africa.