As part of a three-day state visit, the Dutch King and Queen are exploring the Kenyan flower and young plant industry. Today, on the second day, they visited the Inland Container Depot (ICD) and Florensis in Naivasha. At the same time, a four-day trade mission is taking place, with delegates visiting farms such as Bilashaka and Vegpro.
At the ICD, a key storage hub for dry export products, they celebrated a milestone—the first reefer container with flowers to Naivasha by train, a Dutch Flower Group/Nini initiative (stay tuned for more information). The Netherlands is the region's largest export market for flowers and avocados and is working closely with the ICD to make perishable logistics more sustainable. This includes shifting from air to maritime freight by utilizing rail and ship transport, a transition already taking shape at the facility.
In the video below, posted on the royal's Instagram page, FlowerWatch demonstrates how they are preparing flowers for container freight and they introduced their new "Quality Standard for Sea Freight"
"As a team, we demonstrated five crucial quality-boosting steps for sea freight success, including grading and sorting flowers during bouquet-making and using a moisture barrier to prevent dehydration. We were delighted to see His Majesty work alongside Jacinta Kaimuri to pack and close a box efficiently, while Her Majesty joined Isaya Henia Muiru to place a data logger in a box ready to ship. To conclude, Founder and CEO Jeroen van der Hulst shared our new FlowerWatch Quality Standards for Sea Freight for Cut Flowers with the royal couple. This document marks an important step in ensuring consistent sea freight success and delivering beautiful flowers to customers day after day", FlowerWatch shared in their LinkedIn post.
Jeroen van der Hulst, FlowerWatch, talking to His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and Her Majesty Queen Máxima (Photo credits: Daniel Kroppach)
(Photo credits: Daniel Kroppach)
They also visited the cuttings and young plant facility of the Dutch company Florensis in Naivasha, as displayed in the video below. On arrival, the royal couple was warmly welcomed by Eddy Verbeek, Managing Director of Florensis Kenya and the children of the Florensis Nursery and preschool. During an extensive tour of the facilities, visitors gained insight into the company's innovative and sustainable practices. The Royal Couple was introduced to key topics such as energy management, biopesticides, gender equality, and social welfare programs. Additionally, they were guided through the advanced cultivation processes, where hygiene and Integrated Crop Management (ICM) play a crucial role. Employees shared their experiences and demonstrated how Florensis contributes to sustainable and efficient production.
After the visit, Eddy Verbeek expressed his gratitude: "We are truly honored that both the Royal Couple and the Dutch trade mission chose Florensis Kenya as part of their program. It was a fantastic opportunity to share our vision and sustainability initiatives. We look back with pride on a successful event and hope that this visit contributes to further collaboration and knowledge exchange within the sector."
(Picture provided by Florensis)
Florensis Kenya plays a leading role in sustainable horticulture, combining innovation with social responsibility. The company leverages data analysis and renewable energy to minimize the consumption of non-renewable resources and enhance production efficiency. Furthermore, biodiversity is actively promoted through environmental restoration projects, such as tree planting and the placement of beehives, contributing to a balanced ecosystem for both people and nature.
In addition to environmentally friendly production, Florensis actively invests in the well-being of its employees and the local community. The company promotes economic empowerment for women by providing access to childcare and education for young children. This enables mothers to work and secure a stable income while their children are cared for in a safe and educational environment. Through these efforts, Florensis not only supports the next generation but also advances gender equality in the workplace. These initiatives make Florensis Kenya a leading and inspiring player in the industry. Florensis also has production and breeding locations in the Netherlands, Germany, Portugal, and Ethiopia.
(Picture provided by Florensis)
The royal couple also received more information about certifications in the floriculture industry. " Standards and Certifications are key to the sustainability of the Floriculture industry in Kenya. With the Kenya Flower Council Flowers and Ornamentals Sustainability Standard addressing all the three pillars of Sustainability, it has positioned the standard in the FSI Basket of Standards, making it internationally recognized by most markets. During the Dutch state visit to Kenya to strengthen the Kenyan- Netherlands trading ties, Kenya Flower Council presented the importance of these certification to his Majesty King Willem Alexandar and her Majesty Queen Maxima." Caroline Cheruiyot said in her LinkedIn post. "By upholding the rigorous requirements of the Flowers and Ornamentals Sustainability Standard, Kenya's floriculture industry ensures long-term viability while respecting people and the planet."
Pictures posted by Caroline Cheruiyot on LinkedIn
The reason for the visit? The Netherlands and Kenya have maintained close ties for more than 60 years. In recent years strategic and economic relations have deepened. The Netherlands and Kenya have a close economic relationship and are both regional hubs with a large hinterland. Within the UN and other international organizations, too, the two countries work together actively towards goals relating to democracy, the rule of law and independence of the judiciary and on challenges around peace and security, climate change and food security. At the invitation of President William Ruto, the royal couple is visiting the country, from March 18-20.
The visit, however, triggered significant controversy since the announcement of the visit in January, with critics calling on the royals to cancel it as long as William Ruto remains president, especially after the government's severe response to a protest against tax hikes last year. More than 20,000 Kenyans signed the petition on Change.org and the Dutch government received emails asking the royal couple to reconsider their visit. The Dutch King addressed the controversy and highlighted Human Rights on the first day of the state visit in his speech.