ABSTRACT
Kenya belongs to the middle-income countries of Sub-Saharan Africa. Almost all horticulture in Kenya is rain-fed and concentrated in the highland areas. Horticulture has become a popular alternative because it brings fair prices and immediate returns. The market prospects for vegetables, fruits and tubers are favourable due to ongoing urban growth. Three regions in the Kenyan highlands known for their horticultural output were selected to study commercial horticulture among smallholders in more detail: Nyandarua District in the central highlands, Kisii District in western Kenya, and the Taita Hills halfway between the central highlands and the coast. Although commercial horticulture was a successful income-generating activity in the research areas, the enterprise faced serious problems. The marketing of horticultural commodities is left entirely to the private sector. Private traders provide intermediary groups between rural producers and rural and urban consumers Urban consumers are the most significant group because of their purchasing power and high food demands.
