Kenya’s flower industry, particularly the red rose, plays a significant role in the nation’s economy, employing over half a million people, according to a 2021 report by the Central Bank of Kenya. The country has built a reputation for producing high-quality roses that are particularly valued in Europe for their long-lasting blooms. In fact, over a third of Kenya’s flower exports are sent to Europe, making it a crucial market for the industry.
However, the road to success in the flower business is not without its challenges, as the cultivation of perfect roses requires significant effort and chemicals. Roses are susceptible to a range of pests, and farmers routinely use pesticides to minimize losses and ensure a steady supply of top-quality blooms. According to a 2020 study by the Route to Food Initiative (RTFI), 75 percent of the pesticides used in Kenya are highly hazardous, including glyphosate-based products like Roundup, with nearly half of these chemicals being banned in the European Union (EU).
In response to growing concerns over the environmental impact and potential health risks of pesticide use, the EU has strict regulations regarding the import of flowers, especially from countries like Kenya. This has forced Kenyan flower farmers to reduce their use of certain pesticides in order to comply with EU standards, although the process is costly and time-consuming.
A new challenge has emerged for Kenyan farmers in the form of the False Codling Moth (Thaumatotibia leucotreta), a pest that feeds on rose buds and is also known to affect fruits and vegetables. The EU, eager to prevent the moth from entering its market, has implemented even tougher regulations to control its spread. In response, the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) has reported that the EU has increased the sampling of Kenyan roses from 5% in 2020 to 25% as of May 2024. This has led to a rise in quarantined shipments, resulting in delayed exports and financial losses for local flower growers.
Jacky Mwanzia, a marketer at Isinya Roses in Kajiado County, voiced frustration over the situation, explaining that shipments to the EU are frequently held up in quarantine, leading to missed deadlines and a 30% loss in revenue. The increased scrutiny and strict regulations have made it harder for Kenyan flower farmers to meet the high demand, especially during peak seasons like Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day.
Anantha Kumar, the Marketing Manager at Isinya Roses, noted that the weather conditions in Kenya sometimes require the use of certain pesticides to maintain the health of the flowers. However, the EU’s zero-tolerance policy on caterpillars and certain chemicals complicates their ability to meet production targets.
In light of these difficulties, some Kenyan flower growers are seeking alternative markets with less stringent regulations. The Middle East has emerged as a promising market, with growing demand for Kenyan roses. However, the war in Ukraine has disrupted exports to Russia, a once-major market for Kenyan flowers. Shipping times have tripled, and freight charges have surged by 50%, leading to a sharp decline in flower exports to Russia, with a loss of 30-40% of volume since the war began.
Despite the challenges, Isinya Roses is not ready to abandon the European market just yet. The farm is experimenting with alternative pest control measures, such as pheromone traps, to manage the False Codling Moth population without relying on harmful chemicals.
As the flower industry faces a tumultuous period, particularly during critical sales periods like Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day, Kenyan flower farmers are grappling with a rapidly changing global market, stricter EU regulations, and shifting trade dynamics. The future of Kenya’s flower exports may depend on the industry’s ability to adapt to new challenges and explore alternative markets while maintaining its global reputation for high-quality blooms.
