Kenya’s floriculture sector, valued at over $800 million, faces mounting losses as ongoing conflict in the Middle East disrupts trade routes and export markets. Growers report up to $1.4 million in weekly losses as shipments to key markets falter.
Export Challenges
Following attacks on Iran by the U.S. and Israel, shipping disruptions and reduced demand have hit flower exports. At Isinya Flower Farms, located south of Nairobi, Marketing Manager Anantha Kumar reported a drop of more than 50 percent in daily exports.
“Previously we used to export 450,000 stems per day and currently we are doing about 150,000 to 200,000 stems a day. So we are discarding almost 50 percent,” Kumar said.
While the Middle East accounts for roughly 30 percent of Isinya’s exports, Europe remains the largest market at 70 percent. Shipping delays to Europe, compounded by skyrocketing freight costs, are further straining operations.
“The freight costs have almost doubled as unavailability of freight makes it unviable for business,” Kumar added.
Financial Impact
The Kenya Flowers Council, which represents the country’s flower growers and exporters, estimates over $4.2 million in losses in the past three weeks due to interrupted markets, delayed shipping, and increased freight fees. CEO Clement Tulezi noted:
“Last week we were at $5.8 per kilo which is the highest we’ve had in the last 10 years and a pricing like that is unsustainable. About $2.1 million is attributed to lack of flights and the rest due to delays. If this goes on we are looking at about $1.8 million in losses every week.”
Growers warn that if the conflict persists, the sector could face scenarios similar to the Covid-19 pandemic, including reduced production and potential job losses for the half a million Kenyans employed directly in floriculture.
Efforts to Mitigate Losses
The Kenya Flowers Council is lobbying the government to arrange direct cargo flights to Europe to stabilize exports and maintain access to key markets.
“The Middle East remains a very important market and the disruption has an immediate impact on us. We see a reduction in movement, delays in movement of produce, and longer routes with higher pricing,” Tulezi said.
Analysts warn that without immediate intervention, continued conflict in the Middle East may further destabilize Kenya’s flower sector, jeopardizing both revenues and livelihoods across the country.
