Kenya is home to the world’s best producers of flowers making a huge contribution to the economy. Globally, Kenya is among the top four countries in the production of flowers.
by Clement Tulezi, CEO Kenya Flower Council
Leveraging cutting-edge technology, the floriculture industry in Kenya provides direct employment to an estimated 150,000 people, majority women, and overall, creates employment for more than a million people indirectly, impacting in excess of 6 million lives. Export earnings from cut flowers grew by 37.7 per cent from Kshs. 82 billion in 2017 to Kshs 113.2 billion in 2018, according to figures from government’s Horticultural Crops Directorate. The industry thus contributes significantly to the achievement of Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the Governments Big 4 agenda.
Kenya continues to diversify, and today, Kenya exports to over 60 destinations. Looking ahead with more opportunities in Japan, China, India, Australia, Canada, the United States and Eastern Europe, Kenya’s flower industry is in good shape. KFC currently holds the presidency of Union Fleurs – the International Flower Trade Association whose main purpose is to represent and promote the interests of traders of cut flowers, cut foliage and pot plants.
Since 1996, Kenya Flower Council (KFC) has promoted sustainable floriculture in Kenya. KFC represents the majority of the industry. Moreover, it has established an internationally benchmarked standard through the EU-based Floriculture Sustainability Initiative (FSI) for sustainable social and environmental practice. KFC Silver standard, officially known as the Flowers and Ornamentals Sustainability Standard (F.O.S.S) meets both social and environmental requirements set by FSI.
In May 2019, F.O.S.S was accepted as compliant with the enhanced environmental criteria through the transition period to the end of 2020. After 2020, sustainable production under FSI will be defined according to the combined benchmarks on agricultural, social and environmental practice.
The International Floriculture Trade Expo (IFTEX) in Nairobi is the leading floriculture exhibition in Africa, bringing together growers, the market, breeders and the entire supply chain. KFC is delighted to be working with HPP International Group B.V. to support sustainable floriculture in Kenya. IFTEX offers a platform for actors in the supply chain to establish and maintain business relations and an opportunity to adjust current production, logistics and marketing strategies.
For more information:
IFTEX
www.iftex.org