Kenya’s floriculture industry, a vital contributor to the nation’s economy, is facing a growing challenge in the wake of stringent European Union (EU) regulations on rose exports. The sector, which significantly boosts foreign exchange earnings and provides employment, is particularly reliant on its rose exports to the EU, which account for 34% of the country’s flower trade. However, the increasing presence of the False Codling Moth (FCM) has put this lucrative market access at risk.
Native to Sub-Saharan Africa, the FCM is a highly destructive pest whose larvae damage a wide array of crops, including roses. Its presence in Kenyan rose exports has led to frequent interceptions in international markets, especially within the EU. Since 2017, the EU has classified FCM as a regulated quarantine pest, imposing strict controls on imports to prevent its spread. These heightened regulations, including increased sampling rates, have threatened to derail Kenya’s competitive edge in the European market.
In response to these challenges, the EU introduced Regulation (EU) 2024/2004, which takes effect on April 26, 2025. This regulation mandates stringent pest management measures for rose exports to the EU. In anticipation of these changes, Kenyan stakeholders, spearheaded by the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), have developed the Rose False Codling Moth Systems Approach (Rose FCMSA). This new protocol outlines a robust set of measures aimed at preventing, detecting, and controlling the pest at all stages of the rose production process, from pre-harvest through to post-harvest.
By adopting the Rose FCMSA, Kenya ensures its roses meet the EU’s zero-tolerance FCM standard, thereby securing continued access to the vital European market. With this proactive approach, Kenya is taking bold steps to safeguard its floriculture industry while complying with international standards, ensuring that its roses remain a symbol of quality on the global stage.
Source: KEPHIS
