Sian Flowers, a leading exporter of Kenyan flowers based in Kitengela, Kajiado County, showcased its operations to a team of trade officers, led by Directors Christopher Kulei (Chairman of the Kenya Flower Council) and Peter Cheserem. The visit covered greenhouses, packhouses, storage facilities, and laboratories, where roses and summer flowers are grown, labeled, and packed for direct retail and auction markets, including the Netherlands.
The flower industry, Kenya’s second-largest export earner generating $700 million annually, is poised for further growth following the newly-signed Kenya-EU Economic Partnership Agreement. This deal guarantees tariff-free and duty-free access to the €13 trillion EU market. Emerging markets such as the UAE, India, Russia, and Southeast Asia also present opportunities for diversification.
However, challenges such as stringent False Coddling Moth inspections, instability in the Red Sea route impacting seafreight, and high inspection fees continue to hinder the sector. Discussions are ongoing to address these concerns and create a conducive export environment.
Director Kulei emphasized the need for investment in seafreight to reduce carbon emissions and lower costs, highlighting its potential to bolster sustainability in the sector. Public-private dialogue with the Kenya Flower Council and FPEAK remains a priority to overcome these hurdles and unlock the sector’s full potential.
