Magana Flowers producing flowers that create unforgettable joy

By Steven Mulanda
Situated at the heart of Magana town in Kikuyu, Kiambu County and just 40 minutes drive from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Magana flowers has evolved from a mid-scale operation to a fully hydroponic 20ha rose farm.

At 2100m above sea level, the climate at Magana Flowers is pleasant and suitable for growing the best quality roses; richer colour, larger head-size, longer stems length and longer vase-life.

On their 25th anniversary, Hortfresh Journal sort the views of Magana Flowers Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Nicholas Ambanya on how the Company has evolved and how it has redefined flower business in Kenya.

Two decades and still counting, how would you describe the journey and the experience of Magana Flowers since it was started?

It has been an exciting period since the day the Company was established in 1994. We are among the pioneers in the flower industry. We have played a role in shaping the industry by giving ideas and feedbacks at different forums. Magana played a role in the formation of Kenya Flower Council (KFC) and we pride in having a rich experience both in good and bad times. We are better positioned to again play another role for the betterment of the flower industry.

We have positioned ourselves in Global arena having served and still serving diverse and dynamic clienteles. At Magana Flowers, we strive to conduct our business with utmost professionalism, integrity and commit to making a fair profit. In this regard, we invest heavily in researching the ever-changing market and consumer trends, ensuring that our roses consistently exceed customer expectations.

What would you describe as the driving force of this farm?

It’s all about fulfilling the dreams of our founding fathers of this farm, whose main aim was desire for excellence and to be the best in global sphere; while impacting positively on the society.

First, our forefathers had a need of impacting the society by providing employment opportunities, contributing towards education as well as supporting community based activities.

The Magana family embodies all facets of Fair-trade through attractive remuneration, specialized skill training, and benefits that improve the quality of life for our team and their families. Our general workforce enjoys adaptive entitlements and benefits such as bursaries, free crèche and wellness checks, among other programs. This nurturing We have positioned ourselves in Global arena having served and still serving diverse and dynamic clienteles. At Magana Flowers, we strive to conduct our business with utmost professionalism, integrity and commit to making a fair profit. In this regard, we invest heavily in researching the ever-changing market and consumer trends, ensuring that our roses consistently exceed customer expectations.

Magana Flowers specializes in spray roses and premium T-hybrids. What informed this choice and why?

Our location, growing zone as well as our altitude. Market segment that we endevour to serve also determines our selection which enables us be able to supply to high end market segments. High end markets are those markets that are well paying.

New markets in the Middle East require a diverse portfolio of flowers hence need to capture this market.

What are the technological innovations that you have put in place to ensure your brand is always superior in the market?

We have heavily invested in infrastructure such as; pack house, cold rooms, and modern irrigation methods assuring that quality is sustained.

We have new methods of pests’ detection and control. We have put in place new methods for early detention of diseases hence enabling us equip ourselves in times of unforeseen outbreaks. We also practice greenhouse climate control in the greenhouses in case of changes in climate patterns.

We are among the few farms that have invested heavily in rain water harvesting to irrigate our flowers. We tap water from all greenhouse gutters. Negative impacts in climate and weather patterns made us to be innovative in harvesting rain

water as an adaptation measure. We cannot always rely on natural sources of water, over which we are competing with local communities downstream and wildlife. The advantage with rainwater is that it’s pure, clean water which we send directly to our greenhouses. We have constructed numerous water reservoirs for collecting rain water for proper storage.

As the valentine season approach, what measures have you put in place to ensure this season is a success, and what are your expectations on this season?

We plan to produce excellent quality red varieties. We embarked on feeding the crops well and fighting any form of pests and disease attacks.

Currently we are preparing and training our employees on how to handle the huge volumes of flowers that we are targeting to harvest. We are also in communication with our clients across the globe on what to expect from Magana Flowers.

Going forward where do you see Magana flowers in future and also What is the future of flower industry in Kenya?

The future is expansion and new product development, we plan to expand in terms of new variety selection and later expand in acreage in a different location. We are aiming to be more reliable, consistent and to be ahead of the game due to market dynamics. The industry is growing at a reasonable rate and has a future, which can be secured by the Government coming in by curbing on double taxation and accelerating on VAT returns and also ensuring that challenges of inputs especially fertilizer are addressed to the benefit of the farmer and the future of the industry. Also farmers need to be more innovative.