Last year at the height of COVID-19 the Kenya flower industry was grappling with a cocktail of threats that had taken a toll on production including tough weather conditions, pests attacks and limited cargo space occasioned by the impacts of the pandemic that saw a skyrocketing of cargo space costs.
The heartbreaking images of flower farm workers harvesting flowers and dumping them as lockdowns and cancellation of flights took effect are poignant reminders of the fragility of the sector to global shocks that saw the flower market contract to an estimated $29.2 billion in 2020, representing a 6.2 per cent decline from 2019. Industry players say this remains the worst experience yet, in the history of the flower industry.
In key markets like Europe that account for close to 70 percent of Kenya cut flower exports, the Covid-19 induced restrictions slashed daily orders by half putting tens of thousands of jobs on the line and robbing the country of the much needed foreign exchange earnings.
Government, working with industry players including the Kenya Private Sector Alliance, the Kenya Flower Council, the Fresh Produce Exporters Association and national carrier Kenya Airways mooted a plan to convert passenger planes into cargo freighters to keep our fresh markets supplied. This remains one of the best multisector responses to a global crisis ever seen in the country. Reports indicate that due to these efforts, Kenya produce was available in the supermarkets at a time it was desperately needed leading to retention of markets and gaining new ones. These efforts were greatly butressed by an initiative dubbed Caravan of Hope which saw flower growers through the Agriculture Sector Network, KEPSA, KFC and Kenya Airways donate flowers wrapped in sleeves signed by President Uhuru Kenyatta with a message: It is exactly at moments such as this that we must display our humanity, perseverance and hope. Whatever the adversity, no matter the foe, we shall triumph together. We stand united. Tuko Pamoja. From Kenya with love. The flowers went to hospitals and care homes in the UK, a gesture seeking to show solidarity with healthcare workers as the first-line Covid-19 attack. Covid-19 healthcare care centres in the country were the first to receive the bouquets.
Provision of car stickers to vehicles transporting flowers to operate past curfew hours and government’s speedy action in processing permits and exports equally played a huge role in supporting the sector.
With increased easing […]
