Kenya’s Flower Exports Hit by Middle East Conflict Disruptions

Kenya’s flower industry is facing a deepening crisis as escalating conflict in the Middle East disrupts critical export routes, driving up costs and threatening thousands of jobs. Growers, exporters, and industry stakeholders warn that the sector, a major contributor to the country’s economy, is under unprecedented strain. “The last six or seven weeks have been very difficult for growers and exporters of cut flowers and ornamentals from Kenya,” said Kenya Flower Council CEO Clement Tulezi.

The Middle East plays a dual role for Kenya’s floriculture sector, it is both a key market, accounting for 10 to 15 percent of exports, and an essential transit hub for shipments to Europe and other global destinations. However, ongoing geopolitical tensions have severely disrupted air cargo routes, forcing airlines to avoid traditional corridors such as the Red Sea and Gulf region. This has resulted in longer transit times, delays of up to 48 hours for air freight, and a sharp reduction in cargo capacity.

As a consequence, freight costs have surged dramatically, rising from approximately $3 per kilogram to as much as $5.  For exporters already operating on thin margins, these increases have made it difficult to sustain operations, “it’s almost double the number in terms of money that we were using to export,” Tulezi added. Many farmers are now being forced to dump between 20 and 25 percent of their produce because they cannot afford to ship it or because it perishes before reaching markets.

In just three weeks, the industry has recorded losses estimated at $620 million, highlighting the scale of the crisis. The situation is further compounded by weakening demand in key markets, including the Middle East, which ranks as Kenya’s third-largest destination for flowers after Europe and the United Kingdom.

Industry leaders warn that Kenya risks losing its competitive edge globally. South American producers, who are not affected by the same logistical disruptions, are stepping in to fill supply gaps. Once market share is lost, Tulezi cautions that it may be difficult—if not impossible—to regain.

The broader economic implications are significant. The floriculture sector generates over Ksh110 billion annually in export earnings and supports hundreds of thousands of jobs. Prolonged disruptions could therefore impact foreign exchange inflows and employment levels across the country.

To mitigate the crisis, stakeholders are calling for urgent government intervention. Key proposals include the release of approximately Ksh10 billion in pending VAT refunds to ease cash flow constraints, expansion of cargo capacity, and the establishment of more direct flight routes to reduce reliance on unstable transit hubs.

Meanwhile, authorities are working with airlines and logistics partners to identify alternative routes and improve efficiency at major ports. However, industry players stress that swift and coordinated action will be critical to stabilizing the sector and safeguarding its future.