The Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEPROBA) has stepped up efforts in securing international market for products manufactured by local start ups, promising a brighter future for small and micro enterprises.
The Agency has also been holding numerous training and mentoring sessions for SMEs 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 dealing 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 and 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 Meru Herbs 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 European countries like the Netherlands where they access their markets and do their research with a view to discovering consumer preferences.
“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 added that 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 export requirements.
He said once they receive enquires about a product from an organization like Meru Herbs, they forward them to the relevant organization for supply to be done.
KEPROBA was established in 2019 after the merger of the Export Promotion Council (EPC) and the Brand Kenya Board (BKB).
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 an 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 in Tunyai, Tharaka Nithi county and Kenyans at large so that they can also be consumers of the products in their bid to expand their territories.
Currently Meru Herbs concentrates on five crops that are registered as organic, including hibiscus which is used to produce jam, juice, and wine, lemon grass for lemon tea, cell ginger, camomile and moringa.
