Kenya grapples with False Codling Moth threat to flower industry

KENYA – Kenya’s floriculture industry faces mounting challenges as it battles the spread of the False Codling Moth (FCM), a pest threatening the country’s position as the leading exporter of rose cut flowers to the European Union (EU).

The pest, Thaumatotibia leucotreta, could have devastating impacts on both the industry and the livelihoods of thousands who depend on it.

The European Union has increased its scrutiny of flower consignments from Kenya, with inspections rising from 5% in 2018 to 25% as of May 2024.

This comes after the European Plant Protection Organization classified FCM as a high-risk pest. Furthermore, the EU Regulation 2024/2004, set to take effect on April 26, 2025, will impose even stricter requirements on pest management.

Failure to meet these standards could significantly affect Kenya’s flower exports, endangering a sector that contributes millions to the economy and employs thousands.

Simon Mucheru Maina, Head of the Seed Certification and Plant Variety Protection Department at the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Services (KEPHIS), acknowledged the urgency of the situation during a training workshop in Nairobi.

“Our market, the EU, has made their requirements clear: no False Codling Moth or other regulated pests in consignments. This is a serious challenge that calls for strong collaboration and immediate action,” Maina stated.

In response, KEPHIS, the Kenya Flower Council, and the Kingdom of the Netherlands have joined forces to train flower growers in key regions such as Naivasha, Nakuru, and Timau.

These workshops aim to educate farmers on effective pest management strategies that comply with international phytosanitary standards.

A central part of the initiative is the implementation of a systems approach, which combines biological, cultural, mechanical, and chemical methods.

This integrated strategy targets multiple stages of the FCM lifecycle, reducing the pest’s spread while minimizing environmental impacts and resistance to control measures.

“The systems approach creates a series of barriers to ensure pests are effectively managed,” said Maina. “It is essential for complying with international standards and protecting our exports.”

With the April 2025 deadline approaching, the stakes are high. Flower producers face significant costs as they adapt to the new regulations, but compliance is critical to maintaining Kenya’s market share in the EU.

Adopting these measures could also help Kenya achieve an inspection rate of less than 2%, ensuring smoother trade processes and fewer interceptions.

The success of these efforts relies on open dialogue among stakeholders, the sharing of best practices, and a commitment to innovative solutions.

As Kenya strives to safeguard its flower industry, collaboration and urgency will be key. Protecting this vital sector is not just about meeting EU standards—it is about preserving the livelihoods of thousands and securing the future of one of the country’s most valuable exports.

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