The Kenyan flower diligence faced several challenges in 2024 . Fortunately , the sector conserve its stableness in production and market , but the demand was not optimal and the revenues were much lower than in previous years . The grounds ? Inadequate freight capacity , high-pitched freight costs and increased taxes . Producers were collide with hardest , though far-flung closures were avoided . Moreover , the false coding ( FCM ) pest has been and still pose a scourge to the industry . Despite these obstruction , the sphere has prove resiliency , embracing innovative solutions and urge for supportive insurance to substantiate its critical role in Kenya ’s economy . While everything seems to be on course of study onward of Valentine ’s Day , the biggest challenge is load space and cost . This is explained by Clement Tulezi , chief executive officer of the Kenya Flower Council , who also highlights the association ’s ongoing crusade to direct these challenge , activate the sector to thrive .
Clement Tulezi at theIFTF2024 in Vijfhuizen , the Netherlands .
Height freight costs and taxesLimited freight mental ability and associated high toll have been major agent squeezing the gross of growers and exporter . But why are these price so in high spirits ? Tulezi explain : " Since mid - October , the diligence has been facing a capacitance shortage in air freight . Every week , we lack about 30 % of the need mental ability ; this is around 1000 tons , and that is expectant . In turn , this has drive cost up importantly , reaching $ 5.30 per kilogram . We also hoped to gain traction with ocean load , but the on-going state of war has disrupt dealings through the Red Sea , draw everything to be transported by line . This is a very difficult period for raiser and exporters .
As for taxes , we have witness an ad hoc introduction of taxes and levies . Top of the list is the Unique Consignment Reference ( UCR ) charge , introduced mid - year 2024 , and the addition of KEPHIS levies . The UCR particularly has remained a meaning burden for exporter , who are struggling to absorb this additional huge cost on top of other over 50 taxes and levies . Exporters are literally surviving through it . Fortunately , we have n’t determine widespread farm closures , one or two little farms , perhaps , but the industry is ache "
deal with the payload and tax obstaclesTo tackle the challenges mentioned above , we are talking to the government growers . " We are in on-going discussions with the national government regarding air freight . We have shared our proposals with the politics that we believe cater pragmatic avenue to improve the air freight berth . Not much has happen , but we rest optimistic . As for the tax effect , we have provided input in the current business reforms advanced by the government . On whether these will amount to anything tangible , we hold off to see . "
put on Codling MonthAs if the other challenges were n’t enough , raiser are also combat the persistent scourge of False Codling Moth ( FCM ) . declare a quarantine cuss by the EU in 2017 , FCM has continued to blight the Kenyan flower industry . Despite on-going efforts to cope it , over 40 interception were recorded in 2024 alone . Tulezi explains that the pest ’s persistence is due to its endemic nature within Kenya ’s surround . " The atmospheric condition here are idealistic for its exploitation , and it can well survive on more than 80 unlike plant species , including roses , " he say . The pest moves in unpredictable ways , which makes exterminate it peculiarly challenging . However , the industriousness remains proactive , with the Kenya Flower Council spearheading preparation academic term for growers and being part of the development of a plebeian FCM organization approach . And the interest in the training is mellow " Between November and December 2024 , a series of grooming sessions were sustain to educate grower on how to identify and forestall FCM pollution . The strong turnout at these sessions suggest the seriousness with which the diligence is addressing the job . " Tulezi emphasized that by mid-2025 , every farm must be fully compliant with the guidelines , or else they adventure being take out from the export market . " By the end of April 2025 , we involve to shew that these identification number are coming down . If not , it will be very difficult for farms to go on exporting , " he warn . In add-on to educational efforts , the industry is explore a cooking stove of innovative solution , include chemical discourse approved for use and mechanically skillful interventions like drones , cameras , and trap . " The aim is to improve reconnoitring and inspection within greenhouse and during post - harvest processes , ensuring that FCM - free flowers hand international food market . "
Not giving upDespite the numerous challenge facing the industry , the Kenyan flower sector stay determined , as Tulezi punctuate . " The flower manufacture is crucial to Kenya , describe for over 70 % of all fresh produce exports . This mean that a vast figure of mass are directly or indirectly demand in the sector . " While politics support has been confine , the Kenya Flower Council bear on to operate inexhaustibly to overcome the hurdles . Tulezi further explains , " This is a business we ’ve nurtured over the year , and it support thousands of livelihoods , both directly and indirectly . Additionally , flower are one of the few exportation commodity we have - without them , Kenya ’s export economy would be severely counteract . We empathise this and are committed to discover solutions to ensure that this life-sustaining sphere continues to expand . We are work out with both the government activity and stakeholders to sail these challenges and ensure we maintain our market place plowshare . "
Valentine ’s Day 2025Valentine ’s Day is around the corner , meaning busy fourth dimension for the growers as Valentine ’s Day alone accounts for 35 % of the flower sector ’s annual exports . " Mid - January , the first flowers lead the farms and the Valentine ’s Day exports will continue till February 10th . “However , logistics is still the main challenge , especially concerning freight blank and price . " On a typical daytime , Kenya exports about 60 million flower stems , but during Valentine ’s time of year , that bit surges to around 100 million stem per twenty-four hour period . The departure of 30 % of freight capability during this critical period makes the situation even more complicated . Despite these hurdles , the demand is there , and the marketplace is reply . If a solution to the freight rate issue can be found , there ’s a lot of potential for us to vie , Tulezi says . " as luck would have it , we now have good quality flower . The rainfall have ensure an ample supply of urine , and the overall production has remain high . The quality of flowers continues to ameliorate each year , making Kenya a strong competitor on the global stage . "
However , as Valentine ’s Day approaches , damaging account about flower refinement often surface , which deep saddens Tulezi . In the upcoming clause , we will highlight how the Kenyan blossom industry has evolve over the years and showcase the ongoing effort of the Kenya Flower Council to improve every aspect of the sector , mainly rival on sustainability . Today , the Kenya Flower Council alsosent out a press releasethat they amply support the French Agency for Food , Environmental , and Occupational Health & Safety ( ANSES ) decision to enquire pesticide exposure among floriculture professionals . This initiative represents a decisive footmark toward highlighting the advancement , sustainability efforts , and transformative investments already achieved by Kenya ’s floriculture industry .
For more entropy : Kenya Flower Council[email protected]kenyaflowercouncil.org
© FloralDaily.com/Elita Vellekoop
