Balancing growth and sustainability for the long-term success of Kenya’s flower industry
Kenya’s flower industry is advancing sustainability through collaboration with the Embassy of the Netherlands, supporting ethical, environmental, and economic practices. This partnership strengthens compliance, certification, and capacity-building efforts, helping farms meet global standards and remain competitive in key markets like the Netherlands.
Flowers have an undeniable way of touching human emotions. They carry messages that words sometimes fail to convey, whether it’s a bouquet gifted to a loved one, a single rose expressing deep affection, or a floral arrangement gracing an event. They symbolize love, celebration, comfort, and even remembrance. Beyond their emotional significance, they are also an economic powerhouse and key contributors to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of countries involved in floriculture trade. In Kenya, the sector contributes about 2.5% to the GDP and employs 200,000 people directly.
Over the years, the land under flower cultivation in Kenya has expanded significantly. In the early 2000s, about 2,500 hectares were dedicated to flower farming. Today, over 4,500 hectares are under flowers. This growth has been fueled by increased demand, improved production techniques, and better infrastructure and governance structures to support the growth of the industry. However, with this expansion comes the responsibility of managing resources wisely. The push for sustainability is not just about meeting consumer expectations but also about ensuring that the sector remains resilient amid social, environmental, and economic changes.
Global sustainability requirement
At the helm of ensuring compliance is the Kenya Flower Council (KFC), whose mandate is to set, monitor, and enforce sustainability standards within Kenya’s floriculture sector and in line with global standards. KFC plays a critical role in guiding flower farms toward responsible production by developing certification frameworks, conducting audits, and providing capacity-building programs. Through its Silver and Gold Certification schemes, KFC ensures that farms adhere to ethical labor practices, environmental conservation measures, and sustainable resource management. The council also works closely with international regulators, exporters, and retailers to align Kenya’s flower industry with global sustainability requirements. To achieve this, KFC rigorously audits farms to ensure compliance. According to KFC Chief Executive Officer - Clement Tulezi, the Council provides a platform where growers have an equal opportunity to comply within guided timelines. Failure to which, they are banned from exporting until all requirements are met. By championing best practices, advocating for policy reforms, and supporting farms in meeting compliance standards, KFC remains a driving force in securing Kenya’s position as a leader in sustainable floriculture.
Sustainability is a necessity
The demand for sustainability in Kenya’s flower industry is driven by multiple factors. Consumers in key markets like the Netherlands, Germany, and the United Kingdom expect transparency in how their flowers are grown. The global shift toward sustainability means that supermarkets and florists are prioritizing suppliers who meet environmental and social responsibility standards. Certification programs such as Fairtrade, the Kenya Flower Council (KFC) Silver and Gold Standards, F.O.S.S, and GLOBAL G.A.P. have become the benchmark for international trade, with uncertified flowers finding it increasingly difficult to access premium markets. At the national level, sustainability is not just a compliance requirement but a necessity for the industry’s survival. Climate change is already affecting rainfall patterns and water availability, forcing farms to rethink how they operate. Without sustainable practices, the long-term viability of Kenya’s floriculture sector will be at risk.
KFC Silver, A sustainability Certification standard set by the Kenya Flower Council (KFC) ensures that growers comply with essential environmental, social, and economic sustainability requirements.
Smart business decision
On Environmental responsibility, farms must adopt sustainable water management practices, waste disposal systems, reducing carbon footprints, integrated pest management (IPM), and minimal chemical usage to protect ecosystems. According to Meindert Roozendaal; Managing Director of Sosiani Flowers based in Eldoret Kenya, a farm specializing in growing Alstroemeria flowers (Peruvian Lily), the farm previously used synthetic fertilizers for the flowers. Following the requirements to produce sustainably, they have transitioned to composting waste from Alstroemeria flowers for carbon and nutrient-rich compost. This shift not only aligned with sustainability requirements but also slashed fertilizer costs by 50%. Their experience proves that sustainability isn’t just about environmental responsibility, but it is also a smart business decision that delivers real savings that reflect on the company’s bottom line while nurturing the planet.
Good Agricultural Practices
Closely linked to environmental responsibility are Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) , they essential for maintaining high-quality standards while reducing environmental impact and enhancing worker welfare. In Kenya’s flower industry, this means adopting sustainable water management: using drip irrigation, aquaponics, and rainwater harvesting, improving soil health through organic composting, and implementing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to reduce chemical use. Investing in solar energy and energy-efficient greenhouses also helps cut carbon emissions.
Improving quality of soil
A great example is Florencia Blooms in Nakuru County, where GAP has transformed the farm’s soil structure. The region’s naturally compacted soil creates hardpans, preventing water absorption and leading to poor yields. By adopting sustainable soil management techniques, the farm has improved water infiltration, boosting both productivity and environmental resilience. Gilbert Towett, Managing Director at Florencia Blooms, noted the remarkable difference that good agricultural practices had on the quality of the soil for his blooms.
“It is very easy for me to know if the soil is being taken care of properly. When I try to auger the ground on an area that hasn’t been taken care of, I cannot drill down to even half a foot. When I repeat the same on an area that is well taken care of, I can pierce with a soil auger for more than two feet into the ground. This has seen us reduce our watering and improve the quality of our blooms.” - Gilbert Towett, Managing Director at Florencia Blooms
Ethical labor practices
Social Sustainability focuses on promoting ethical labor practices, fair wages, gender equality, worker welfare, and community development. This includes ensuring safe working conditions, access to healthcare, education, and adherence to human rights standards. Companies also go beyond this and integrate communities into their businesses either through employment or corporate social responsibility.
Empowering communities
A visit to TimaFlor Limited, nestled on 120 Hectares, slightly above the equator in Timau (Meru County), the farm employs over 2,000 staff, with 80% being locals. They have built or renovated schools, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers, supported school feeding programs, and even provided scholarships to bright and needy pupils. Thomas Fransen, General Manager at Timaflor Limited, underpins the importance of empowering the communities around the farm. “It helps us build the local economy while improving their livelihoods. Consumers now demand traceability, ensuring that flower farms actively support their surrounding communities .’’ The sustainability pillar is an example that doing good is also good for business.
Stringent measures
Support from exporters and certification bodies has been crucial in helping Kenyan flower farms meet sustainability targets. Organizations such as Royal Flora Holland, the world’s largest flower auction, have set stringent sustainability requirements, pushing suppliers to comply with responsible production practices. Beyond the stringent measures, they support growers through capacity-building initiatives aimed at helping the growers to comply and remain competitive on the global market.
Story of dedication
Going forward, sustainability in Kenya’s flower industry is more than a corporate buzzword. It is a commitment to ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the beauty and benefits of this thriving sector. The road is not easy, but with continued innovation, investment, and collaboration, Kenya’s flower industry can bloom sustainably for years to come. Flowers will always hold deep emotional significance for people worldwide, but knowing they are grown responsibly makes them even more special. The next time someone receives a bouquet from Kenya, they can take comfort in the fact that behind every petal lies a story of dedication, resilience, and a deep respect for nature and humanity.
More information
For more information this subject or in case of questions for the Agricultural Counsellor, feel free to contact us via NAI-LVVN@minbuza.nl .
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