The cut-flower sub-sector significant growth has been achieved in the last decade in the flower industry worldwide. Kenya’s position in the export markets has continued to grow over the years.

The floriculture in Kenya is a glaring proof of determination. Part of the growing dynamism of the African economy is the highly competitive flower industry in Kenya – one of the top suppliers of flowers worldwide, especially to the European market. Kenya is the main supplier to the Dutch flower auction, accounting for 44.6% of total supplies.

On a global level after overtaking some seasoned competitors such as Israel through an average growth rate of 24% within a period of 10 years, it is rated the 4th largest flower exporter by value and volume closing behind the Netherlands, Columbia, and Ecuador. The Kenyan flower industry is one of the largest in the world. Kenya’s flowers are currently sold in more than 60 countries worldwide. However, most of the flowers are sold in European countries, United Kingdom, Japan, and Australia. 

The Kenyan flower industry is viewed as the oldest and largest in Africa generating approximately 1.29% of the country’s GDP. It is the third-largest foreign exchange earner. As early as 1988 the industry reportedly exported 10,946 tons. By 2017, 159, 961 tons of flowers were exported. In 2018 the cut-flowers fetched USD1.3 Billion according to Horticultural Crop Directorate (HCD). The flower industry is one of the largest employers in the country, providing employment to over 200,000 people directly, mostly women, and an estimated 2 million people indirectly.

The country’s flower power is attributed to its favorable agro-climatic conditions, which enables high-quality blossoms to be grown year-round without the need for expensive-to-run greenhouses. 

Kenya also has excellent transport links to Europe, and from there, the rest of the world through Nairobi airport, which has a terminal dedicated especially to the transport of flowers and vegetables. 

This means that delicate floral cargo that is perishable in nature can be shifted from growers to consumers swiftly. And the country’s productive workforce and technological know-how make the industry thrive. However, these successes of the flower industry were no mean feat. 

The industry had to comply with a number of standards to access the market. Indeed, Kenya’s flower export industry is of great benefit to the people of Kenya. In short, Kenya is the best place from which to set up a flower export business!