Boosting Kenya’s Flower Industry for Global Success
key industry stakeholders of Kenya's Flower industry at a convention met to discuss ways to enhance the global competitiveness flower sector.
Kenya’s flower industry is a vital component of the nation’s economy, contributing nearly $700 million annually in exports. It plays a major role in the global horticultural market and creates thousands of jobs directly on flower farms, while indirectly supporting various sectors like logistics, transportation, and quality control.
The sector has however been faced with severe challenges ranging from the issues of Red Sea delays and disruptions to the latest freight issues that are alarmingly leading to losses in the export markets of the horticulture sector. Thus the key industry stakeholders of Kenya’s Flower industry at a convention met to discuss ways to enhance the global competitiveness of Kenya’s flower sector.
In a meeting hosting key representatives from the Kenya Flower Council, National Treasury Principal Secretary Dr. Chris Kiptoo, Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) CEO Dr. Theophilus Mutui, KenTrade CEO David Ngarama, and other industry leaders. The focus of the discussions was on challenges and opportunities in Kenya’s flower exports.
Dr. Theophilus Mutui from KEPHIS emphasized the crucial role of plant health inspections in protecting the industry from pests and diseases, which can disrupt production and exports. He also called for continuous improvements in monitoring systems, both on farms and in post-harvest processes, to ensure that Kenya’s flowers meet international standards.
Key issues included the need to streamline processes, maintain high-quality standards, and expand into new markets. As one of the world’s top flower exporters, Kenya must remain competitive to sustain the industry’s growth.
According to Dr. Chris Kiptoo, financial policies must promote industry growth and expand market access. He pointed out the necessity of robust government support working alongside the private sector to uphold Kenya’s leadership in flower exports.
KenTrade CEO David Ngarama discussed how digital innovations, like e-certificates and traceability systems, can help streamline export processes, reduce costs, and shorten delivery times. This integration of technology is essential for the efficient movement of Kenya’s floral products in international markets.
Other stakeholders expressed optimism about the industry’s future, agreeing that collaboration between government, producers, exporters, and support sectors is key to overcoming challenges and seizing new opportunities.
With strong policies, innovative technology, and a focus on quality, Kenya’s flower industry is poised for continued success. This will not only strengthen the country’s position in the global market but also provide livelihoods for millions of Kenyans
