Synnefa Herbs for Export
Synnefa empowers farmers to cultivate high-quality, organically grown herbs for export. We assist in connecting farmers to international markets, ensuring their products reach global buyers looking for premium, sustainable herbs.
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Herbs for Export: Expanding Kenya's Horticultural Industry
Discover how Synnefa is transforming Kenya's horticultural industry with smart greenhouses, precision farming technology, and expert guidance to help farmers export high-value herbs to European markets.

Ideal Herbs for Export
At Synnefa, we have identified several herbs with high export potential for Kenyan farmers. These herbs can be grown as greenhouse or outdoor crops, depending on their specific requirements.
These herbs can be cultivated in open fields, taking advantage of natural sunlight and outdoor conditions. They are resilient and well-suited for outdoor growing, offering versatility and strong market demand.






These crops can be cultivated within controlled greenhouse environments, leveraging artificial or natural sunlight along with optimized conditions such as temperature, humidity, and ventilation. They are highly adaptable and well-suited for protected growing, ensuring consistent quality and meeting specialized market demands.






How Synnefa Supports Farmers in Exporting Herbs
Synnefa is dedicated to helping Kenyan farmers excel in the herbs for export market by providing comprehensive support throughout the farming process. Our services include:
Smart Greenhouses
We design and install state-of-the-art greenhouses equipped with precision farming sensors to optimize growing conditions and maximize yield. These greenhouses are tailored to the specific needs of each herb, ensuring the best possible environment for growth.
Precision Farming Technology
Our cutting-edge sensors and farm management software allow you to monitor and control crucial factors such as temperature, humidity, and nutrient levels. This ensures the highest crop quality, leading to better yields and more profitable exports.
Export Preparation Guidance
Our team of experts will guide you through the entire export process, including obtaining necessary certifications and licenses. We also help you establish market supply agreements with buyers, ensuring a smooth and profitable export journey.
GlobalGAP Certification Assistance
Synnefa works closely with GlobalGAP Certified Auditors to ensure that our greenhouses and farming practices meet international standards for producing healthy, export-ready herbs. We guide you through the certification process, making it easier to achieve the standards required for exporting to European markets.
Crop Export Requirements and How We Can Help
To successfully export herbs, Kenyan farmers must meet certain criteria. Synnefa and our partners will help you navigate these requirements and set up the necessary infrastructure:
Greenhouses and Irrigation Systems: We provide greenhouse construction and outdoor irrigation systems tailored to your farm's specific needs, ensuring optimal growing conditions for your herbs.
Water Storage: Our team assists in setting up water tanks with a minimum capacity of 10,000 liters, ensuring a reliable water supply for your crops.
Sorting and Packing Facilities: We collaborate with partners to help you establish sorting and packing houses that prepare your produce for export.
Cold Storage: We connect you with suppliers who provide cold rooms for refrigeration of your produce before departure to the airport.
Fertilizer and Chemical Storage: Our partners assist in setting up secure storage facilities for fertilizers and chemicals, ensuring compliance with export standards.
Sanitary Facilities: We guide you in establishing washrooms for both male and female workers, ensuring a safe and hygienic work environment.
Office and Storage Space: We help you create a small office and storage area for your farm, providing a base for your operations.
Certifications and Licenses: We support you in obtaining GlobalGAP Certification and HCD Export Licenses, essential for exporting herbs to international markets.
Market Supply Agreements: Synnefa assists in securing signed market supply frameworks with your buyers, ensuring a steady demand for your produce.

Why Farmers Should Invest in Herbs for Export: Costs and Return on Investment
Investing in herbs for export can be a profitable decision for Kenyan farmers. Below is a breakdown of the initial capital expenditures (CAPEX) required to start the farming production process and the potential return on investment (ROI) that can be achieved:


CAPEX Costs
CAPEX Costs10 Smart Greenhouses with Precision Farming Sensors (8M x 30M): KES. 8,914,000
Outdoor Drip Irrigation (1 Acre): KES. 230,500
Cold Room Reefer: KES. 2,135,000
Grading and Packing Rooms, Fertilizer and Chemical Stores, Toilets and Bathrooms, and Farm Office: KES. 967,000
GlobalGAP Certification and Export License Registration: KES. 750,000
Total CAPEX: KES. 12,996,500
Potential Returns
Based on our experience with numerous export-oriented farms, farmers typically sell their produce at KES 300-600 per kilo of basil. Assuming an average production of 75 kg per week from a single 8M x 30M metallic smart greenhouse and a conservative purchase price of KES 390 per kilo of basil, your monthly income from operating 10 greenhouse units would be approximately KES 1,326,000.
Note: These figures are rough estimates, and individual results may vary. For a more detailed cash flow analysis tailored to your specific farm setup, we recommend speaking with a Synnefa consultant.


Breaking Even: Understanding the Timeframe for Recovering Your Investment
Investing in herbs for export requires a significant initial outlay, but the potential returns make it a worthwhile endeavor. Below is an analysis of when you can expect to break even on your investment:
KES.21,336,500
Farmers currently Total Investment (CAPEX + first-year OPEX)using the solutions
KES.15,912,000
Annual Revenue
Considering these figures, you can expect to break even in approximately 1.34 years (21,336,500 ÷ 15,912,000). This timeframe may vary depending on factors such as market conditions, crop yields, and the efficiency of your farm operations.
Transparent Pricing
At Synnefa, we believe in transparent pricing to empower farmers to make well-informed decisions. We guarantee that there are no hidden costs in our pricing structure. Our goal is to help you succeed in the herbs for export market by providing accurate financial information and comprehensive support throughout the entire process.