By Mary Mwende
The Kenyan flower industry is one of the major pillars of the Kenyan economy, accounting for over 70% of the total horticultural export value and generating nearly 1 billion euros annually. According to the Kenya Flower Council, the sector is also one of Kenya’s largest employers, providing jobs to thousands of skilled and unskilled workers—many of them based in rural areas where employment opportunities are scarce.
Kenya’s success in the global flower trade is no accident, but it is due to a combination of year-round favorable climate conditions, a skilled labor force, and forward-looking strategies that have turned the country into a floral powerhouse. Today, Kenya ranks as the third-largest exporter of cut flowers globally, trailing only Colombia and Ecuador. It also leads in the export of rose cut flowers to the European Union, holding a 38% market share.
However, behind the beauty of Kenya’s blooms lie challenges that threaten the industry’s continued growth and competitiveness.
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Exporters face a web of inefficiencies, high costs, and bureaucratic hurdles that slow operations and erode profits. Air freight, the industry’s main lifeline, has become a burden due to limited cargo space, reduced flight availability, and soaring costs. In search of alternatives, some growers have turned to sea freight, but still, transit times and frequent shipping disruptions make it a risky choice for delicate flower varieties.
In addition, regulatory obstacles further complicate matters. Lengthy customs procedures, shifting pesticide requirements, and the tightening grip of EU regulations contribute to shipment delays and rising compliance costs. Growers also grapple with growing pressure to meet stricter environmental and safety standards—often without adequate support or guidance from authorities and government officials.
Financial constraints add yet another difficulty to this course. High operational cost, delayed VAT refunds, and a multitude of taxes continue to strain growers’ finances, making it harder to reinvest and expand.
With this, the call for policy reforms is growing louder, as stakeholders demand streamlined processes, reduced red tape, and a more stable business environment for the sector to thrive and continue to become the backbone of Kenya’s economy.
Logistics should not be a major challenge of Kenya’s thriving flower industry. Without reliable, efficient systems, even the most beautiful flowers risk arriving at their destination in less-than-perfect condition and thus risk accruing losses in the market. It is time to fix the cracks in the supply chain—because the future of Kenya’s floral success depends on it.
Ms. Mwende is a Public Relations and Media Expert based in Kenya.
