Kenyan flower industry pushes for sustainability amid growing challenges

KENYA – The Kenya Flower Council (KFC) has reaffirmed its commitment to responsible floriculture, emphasizing its support for the French Agency for Food, Environmental, and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) in studying pesticide exposure among floriculture professionals.

According to the council, this research highlights the sustainability investments already made in the sector.

“Since mid-October, the industry has been facing a capacity shortage in air freight. Every week, we lack about 30% of the needed capacity; this is around 1,000 tons, and that is big,” said Clement Tulezi, CEO of the Kenya Flower Council. “In turn, this has driven costs up significantly, reaching USD 5.30 per kilogram.”

Kenya’s floriculture sector has made significant progress over the past 15 years, with nearly 130 farms certified under the KFC Silver Standard or Fairtrade.

These certifications ensure compliance with strict sustainability and social responsibility requirements, strengthening Kenya’s standing in global markets.

Freight costs and tax concerns

Despite stability in production, high freight costs and increased taxation have impacted revenue. Tulezi explained that sea shipments were considered as an alternative, but disruptions caused by the ongoing war in the Red Sea have left air freight as the only viable option.

“As for taxes, we have witnessed an ad hoc introduction of taxes and levies. Top of the list is the Unique Consignment Reference (UCR) charge, introduced mid-year 2024, and the increase of KEPHIS levies,” Tulezi said.

“The UCR particularly has remained a significant burden for exporters, who are struggling to absorb this additional huge cost on top of over 50 taxes and levies.”

The industry has been actively engaging with the government to find solutions. “We are in ongoing discussions with the national government regarding air freight. We have shared our proposals with the government that we believe provide practical avenues to improve the air freight situation. Not much has happened, but we remain optimistic,” Tulezi said.

Pest threat and industry response

The False Codling Moth (FCM) remains a serious concern for the industry, as it continues to affect flower exports. Declared a quarantine pest by the EU in 2017, FCM has led to over 40 interceptions in 2024 alone.

“The conditions here are ideal for its development, and it can easily survive on more than 80 different plant species, including roses,” Tulezi said.

The Kenya Flower Council has organized training sessions to help farmers identify and manage the pest, with high participation rates indicating the sector’s commitment to addressing the issue.

“By the end of April 2025, we need to demonstrate that these numbers are coming down. If not, it will be very difficult for farms to continue exporting,” Tulezi warned.

The sector is also exploring various solutions, including chemical treatments, mechanical interventions such as drones, and enhanced inspection methods.

Looking ahead to Valentine’s Day 2025

With Valentine’s Day approaching, flower exports have increased significantly. “Mid-January, the first flowers left the farms, and the Valentine’s Day exports will continue till February 10th,” Tulezi stated.

However, limited freight capacity continues to pose a challenge. “On a typical day, Kenya exports about 60 million flower stems, but during Valentine’s season, that number surges to approximately 100 million stems per day. The loss of 30% of freight capacity during this critical period makes the situation even more complicated,” Tulezi explained. “Despite this, the demand is there, and the market is responding.”

While logistics remain an issue, Kenya’s flower quality has improved. “Fortunately, we now have good quality flowers. The rains have ensured an ample supply of water, and the overall production has remained high,” Tulezi added.

Despite these challenges, the industry remains determined to push forward. Tulezi emphasized the importance of the sector to Kenya’s economy, stating, “The flower industry is crucial to Kenya, accounting for over 70% of all fresh produce exports. This means that a vast number of people are directly or indirectly involved in the sector.”

 

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