Concerns have been raised by farmers over access to agricultural export markets, with Cyprian Nyakundi receiving a complaint from a farmer who says some producers are increasingly worried about how export opportunities are being handled.
The farmer says those involved in growing flowers, tea and coffee are facing growing uncertainty over whether they can compete freely and choose exporters on equal terms.
According to the farmer, producers continue to invest significant amounts of money, time and effort into agriculture, hoping to benefit from the international demand for Kenyan products.
However, the farmer claims that accessing some of these markets has become more difficult, leaving producers questioning whether opportunities are being distributed fairly.
The complaint focuses on concerns surrounding Nouvelle Blooms Ltd, a company involved in the export of fresh cut flowers, tea and coffee.
The farmer points to reported links between the company and Ellen Muthama, who is described in the complaint as the wife of Joel Chacha, a senior official at the Ministry of Agriculture.
The farmer says the issue is not about questioning the right of a private company to conduct business. Instead, the concern is whether the reported relationship could create a conflict of interest because of Chacha’s position within a ministry responsible for overseeing the agricultural sector.
The farmer stressed that producers may not have a detailed understanding of all the legal requirements surrounding such situations, but they understand the importance of fairness. The complaint argues that when a senior government official is connected to someone involved in a business operating within the same agricultural sector, questions can naturally arise among those who depend on the sector for their livelihoods.
The farmer further claimed that some producers have noticed what they describe as increasing pressure to use particular channels or exporters when trying to move their produce to international markets.
According to the complaint, the pressure is not necessarily communicated through formal instructions, but is instead perceived through the experiences farmers have when trying to access markets and move their products.
The farmer said this has created concerns among producers who want the freedom to select exporters based on prices, reliability and the terms offered to them.
“We are farmers, and we should be free to choose who we sell to,” the farmer said in the complaint, adding that producers should be able to negotiate fair prices and compete on equal terms.
The complaint does not directly accuse Chacha, Muthama or Nouvelle Blooms Ltd of wrongdoing. Instead, the farmer says the circumstances have created a perception among some producers that certain businesses could have an advantage when dealing with export opportunities.
The farmer said such perceptions can affect confidence in government institutions, particularly among people who depend on agriculture for their income.
Several questions have consequently been raised over how agricultural export opportunities are allocated and whether adequate safeguards are in place to prevent potential conflicts of interest.
The farmer is also seeking clearer communication from authorities on how exporters and farmers are expected to interact when accessing international markets.
The complaint has called for relevant institutions to examine the concerns and establish whether there is any conflict of interest involving the individuals and company mentioned.
The farmer specifically wants the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate the matter and determine whether any rules or regulations have been breached.
The request is also aimed at providing clarity to farmers and restoring confidence if the concerns are found to have no basis.
The farmer maintained that producers are not seeking special treatment or preferential access to markets. Instead, they want a system where all farmers and exporters can operate under clear and equal rules.Agriculture remains an important source of income for many Kenyan households, while products such as flowers, tea and coffee form a major part of the country’s export trade.
Any uncertainty surrounding access to international markets can therefore have a direct impact on farmers who depend on the sector.
For the farmers raising the concerns, the main issue is transparency. They want authorities to explain how export opportunities are managed and to address any potential conflicts that could undermine trust.
The farmer said continued uncertainty could make it harder for smaller producers to remain in business, especially if they believe they have limited options when choosing where and how to sell their produce.
The complaint ultimately calls for the relevant institutions to establish the facts and provide clear answers.
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