Flowers top horticultural exports as Kenya gears up for global expo

Flowers continue to lead Kenya’s horticultural exports as the country gears up to host the 12th edition of the International Floriculture Exhibition (IFTEX).

Government statistics indicate that in 2024, Kenya earned Sh136 billion from horticulture exports. Of this, flowers accounted for 53 per cent, vegetables 17 per cent and fruits 30 per cent.

Director for the Horticultural Crops Directorate under the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) Christine Chesaro emphasised the critical role horticulture plays in Kenya’s economy, including supporting employment, food security, agro-processing and foreign exchange earnings.

“Kenya is among the top five producers and exporters of fresh cut flowers globally, especially roses, which make up to 70 per cent of our flower exports alongside other types like carnations and summer flowers,” explained Ms Chesaro during a media briefing on the IFTEX 2025 launch.

She added: “Kenya leads Africa in both production and export of flowers. Our primary export destination is Europe, with the Netherlands alone accounting for 47 per cent of our flower exports. The UK takes 15 per cent and Germany about 7 per cent. We also have other emerging markets, such as the Middle East and Kazakhstan.”

Chief Operations Officer at Kenya Flower Council (KFC) Catherine Mukoko said this year’s expo comes at a critical moment for the global floriculture industry.

“The global floriculture sector is facing numerous challenges such as climate change, rising production costs, increased demand for sustainable practices and transparency in the supply chain. While Kenya is not immune to these challenges, we are defined by how we respond – through resilience, agility, and innovation,” she said.

Reflecting on the journey since the first IFTEX 12 years ago, Ms Mukoko said KFC is proud to be at the heart of the sector’s success story.

“We are even prouder of the continued resilience, innovation, and collaboration that define Kenya’s floriculture sector,” she said.

She highlighted that Kenyan flowers grace homes, offices, weddings, and ceremonies across the world, and the industry sustains over 200,000 direct jobs and impacts the lives of more than four million Kenyans.

She also pointed to the increasing importance of digital transformation in floriculture, from blockchain-enabled traceability and climate-smart agriculture to e-commerce solutions that link Kenyan flowers directly to consumers abroad. These innovations are essential for the sector’s future.

Ms Mukoko said during the exhibition, KFC will host critical discussions on sustainability and carbon footprint reduction, policy engagement and enabling regulations, certification for quality assurance, and gender and youth inclusion in floriculture.

Dick Raamsdonk, one of the organisers of IFTEX, said more flower growers in Kenya are entering the cut flower export market.

“While flower farming countries like Ecuador and Colombia show consolidation, Kenya continues to grow, not only in the number of farms but also in the diversity of flower varieties. Even Chrysanthemums are being introduced,” he said.

Mr Raamsdonk added that with almost 200 local and international exhibitors this year, the expo has reached a record high.

Visitor registration has increased by nearly 20 per cent, with many of whom are buyers, signalling strong buying potential.

He explained: “With more growers and more varieties, we see greater product availability and stronger buyer interest, which translates to higher sales and more job creation. This underlines the flower industry’s critical role in Kenya’s economy.”

Mr Raamsdonk remained optimistic about the industry’s outlook, citing potential growth in markets like the Middle East, South East Asia and the US, despite prevailing import tariffs.

Deputy Director at Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (Kephis) Isaac Macharia said Kenya remains a trusted global source of roses, commanding 38 per cent of rose exports to the European Union.

“This trust is built on stringent systems such as government support, guidance from the horticultural crops directorate and rigorous plant health protocols that ensure quality flowers from farm to market,” he explained.

Dr Macharia acknowledged the threat of False Codling Moth (FCM) but said Kenya has addressed this through a system approach mandated by new EU regulations that came into effect on April 26 this year. This approach has proven effective and ensures continued access to the EU market.