Driving sustainability in Kenya’s flower sector

IFTEX 2024, held in Nairobi from 4 to 6 June 2024, is a testament to Kenya's burgeoning floriculture industry and the critical role the sector plays for Kenya and her key trade partners. As one of the largest and most influential trade events for the global flower market, IFTEX serves as a platform for growers, buyers, and industry stakeholders to network, showcase innovations, and explore new business opportunities.

A significant highlight of this year's event is the enduring and fruitful collaboration between Kenya and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, a relationship that is celebrating its 60 year anniversary and which has been pivotal in shaping Kenya's floriculture landscape. Kenya's geo-positioning in the region plays a critical role in hosting international trade fairs and expos, such as IFTEX, that provide Kenyan growers with invaluable exposure and opportunities to forge new partnerships, expand their market reach, and stay abreast of the latest industry trends.

Kenya and the Netherlands share a robust history of collaboration in the floriculture sector. The Netherlands, known for its expertise in horticulture and flower trade, has been instrumental in providing technical assistance, investment, and market access to Kenyan flower growers. This partnership has facilitated the transfer of advanced agricultural practices and technologies, helping Kenyan farmers improve productivity and sustainability.

Discussions with the Floriculture Sector

One of the key collaborations is through the Royal Flora Holland, the largest floral auction in the world, which has played a significant role in integrating Kenyan flowers into the global market. Dutch investors have also established numerous flower farms in Kenya, creating employment opportunities and contributing to the country's economic growth. The Dutch Flower Group (DFG) , another major player, has been actively involved in sourcing flowers from Kenya. Their partnerships with local growers ensure a steady supply of high-quality flowers to European markets, thus enhancing Kenya’s reputation as a leading flower exporter.

Speaking during the official opening of this year’s conference, Dr. Idris Salim Dokota; Principal Secretary, of the State Department For Cabinet Affairs highlighted the role that trade partnerships have played in growing the flower sector in Kenya.  

“The government of Kenya has negotiated favorable trade agreements with various countries, opening doors for Kenyan floriculture exports. These agreements have eliminated trade barriers, promoted fair pricing, and created a level playing field for our flowers in the global market. The Kenya-EU Economic Partnership Agreement, signed in December 2023, has now been ratified by both the National Assembly of Kenya and the European Union in Brussels.” - Dr. Idris Salim Dokota

Kenya's floriculture sector has experienced remarkable growth over the years. The country's favorable climate, coupled with the expertise provided by Dutch collaborations, has enabled the production of a wide variety of flowers, including roses, carnations, and lilies. The sector contributes significantly to Kenya’s economy, accounting for a substantial portion of the country's agricultural exports.

The Kenya Flower Council (KFC), established in 1996, has been at the forefront of promoting sustainable practices within the industry. By setting standards and providing certification, KFC ensures that Kenyan flowers meet international quality and sustainability criteria. This commitment to sustainability has not only enhanced the global competitiveness of Kenyan flowers, but also ensured environmental conservation and social responsibility.

Several key milestones highlight the success of Kenya’s floriculture industry. One notable achievement is the implementation of the Flower Industry Sustainability Program (FISP), supported by both the Kenyan government and international partners like the Netherlands. This program aims to enhance the sustainability of the floriculture sector through research, training, and the adoption of environmentally friendly practices.

Additionally, the collaboration with the Netherlands has led to the establishment of state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure. These include modern greenhouses, advanced irrigation systems, and efficient logistics networks, all of which have significantly boosted the quality and volume of flower production in Kenya.

The Kenya Flower Council (KFC) continues to champion sustainable flower farming through its certification schemes such as the Flowers and Ornamental Sustainability Standard (F.O.S.S) popularly known KFC Silver, KFC enhanced compliance of members farms, and continues to promote sustainability in the floriculture industry focusing on members, suppliers, markets, environment and people. It advocates for growers to adopt practices that conserve water, reduce pesticide use, and protect workers’ rights. These initiatives not only enhance the sustainability of the sector but also boost the international reputation of Kenyan flowers.

The council’s commitment was reiterated by Christopher Kulei (Chairman, Kenya Flower Council). He noted that sustainability in the flower sector has evolved from a peripheral concern to a central pillar of business strategy.

“Over the last several months, we’ve experienced unprecedented rains and flooding in Kenya. We all know the effects of the products, but we also lost hundreds of lives. We see floods happening in Germany, which emphasizes the importance of sustainable business practices in curbing the effects of climate change. Putting sustainability as a core part of each of our strategies is a must, and is quickly becoming a critical consumer expectation and demand. Today, we – the Kenyan Flower Council - reaffirm our dedication to sustainable floriculture.” - Christopher Kulei (Chairman, Kenya Flower Council).

The council members have invested significantly in reducing and recycling water usage, implementing biological pest management systems, utilizing solar energy, and adopting greener logistics to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, they have embraced various carbon measurement tools, which have enabled the sector to accurately assess emissions and identify areas for improvement.

Royal Flora Holland and the Dutch Flower Group are also key advocates of sustainability. They work closely with Kenyan growers to implement eco-friendly practices and ensure that the flowers meet the stringent environmental standards demanded by European markets. Their support has been instrumental in promoting the adoption of sustainable technologies and practices among Kenyan flower farmers.

Sustainability remains a core focus for the Kenyan floriculture sector, with various stakeholders playing critical roles. The Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) is pivotal in ensuring that all plant materials meet the necessary health and safety standards, thus safeguarding both the environment and consumers.

Despite the successes, Kenya's flower sector still faces several challenges, including climate change and weather variability, which threaten production and increase costs of production. Pest and disease management remains a persistent issue, with a reliance on chemical pesticides posing environmental and health risks. Market access and competition from other flower-producing and emerging countries require continuous quality improvements and effective marketing. Compliance with environmental and social standards, limited access to affordable financing, and a high rate of inflation further complicate the industry's landscape. Addressing these challenges is crucial for the sector's sustainability and global competitiveness.

Looking ahead, the Netherlands will continue to play a crucial role in the development of Kenya’s floriculture industry. One area of potential growth is in the field of digital innovation. By leveraging Dutch expertise in agri-tech, Kenyan growers can adopt precision farming techniques, which can significantly enhance productivity and reduce environmental impact, to position the sector to be the most competitive, in the global arena.

For more information about this sector or any other agricultural questions feel free to contact us via nai-lnv@minbuza.nl. For the latest updates on activities, new articles and more follow us on X (Twitter) on @NLAgiKenya and subscribe to our newsletter by sending us an email. In case of any non-agriculture questions for the Netherlands Embassy in Nairobi, see this website for contact information