TRADE ALERT_issue 3_2025-26

A B I - M O N T H LY E X P O R T T R A D E B U L L E T I N

Issue 3, 2025/26

A P u b l i c a t i o n by t h e Ke n ya E x p o r t P ro m o t i o n a n d B ra n d i n g Ag e n c y

ALOE SPECIES IN KENYA

EMERGING

K

enya boasts a remarkable diversity of aloe species, with over 60 varieties identified across the country—nearly half of which are endemic. These plants flourish in arid and semi-arid regions, making them especially valuable in areas prone to drought. Their significance extends beyond ecological resilience; aloe species are widely appreciated for their medicinal, cosmetic, and cultural benefits. Among the most prominent is Aloe secundiflora, a native species extensively used in traditional medicine to treat conditions such as malaria and poultry diseases. It also plays a role in the production of bitter gum, a substance valued for its therapeutic properties. Other indigenous species include Aloe turkanensis, Aloe rivae, Aloe scabrifolia, and Aloe calidophila. These are often harvested for their medicinal qualities and are increasingly being cultivated commercially, especially in regions where natural propagation is feasible. In addition to medicinal varieties, Kenya is home to several ornamental aloe species.

TRENDS KEPROBA–DHL export activation Nakuru County Mid-September 2025