Kenya’s Flower Industry Bleeds KSh178 Million Weekly as Middle East Conflict Bites



Kenya’s flower industry is incurring losses of up to KSh178 million weekly as the ongoing Middle East conflict disrupts critical export routes and weakens demand in key markets.

The crisis has triggered a spike in air freight costs, reduced cargo capacity and shipment delays, dealing a heavy blow to one of the country’s leading foreign exchange earners.
According to the Kenya Flower Council (KFC), exporters are grappling with severe logistical constraints as flights are rerouted, increasing transit time and affecting the quality of perishable flowers.

“We are seeing delays in the movement of produce and longer routes, while freight charges have surged to unsustainable levels,” said KFC CEO Clement Tulezi. “This is eroding competitiveness in global markets.”

At farm level, the impact is already pronounced. Growers are cutting export volumes, with some forced to discard flowers due to reduced cargo space and declining orders.
“Previously, we exported about 450,000 stems daily, but that has dropped to between 150,000 and 200,000. Nearly half of our produce is going to waste,” said a senior manager at a Naivasha-based flower farm.

The Middle East accounts for a growing share of Kenya’s flower exports, but the conflict has not only shrunk that market—it has also disrupted supply chains to Europe, which takes the bulk of shipments.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe acknowledged the strain on the sector, noting that the government is working with industry players to cushion exporters.

“We are engaging airlines and logistics partners to secure more cargo space and stabilise freight costs, while also exploring alternative markets to reduce over-reliance on traditional routes,” said Kagwe.

Trade officials have also indicated that Kenya is pushing for expanded direct cargo flights to Europe and Asia to bypass conflict-affected airspace.
The sector, which supports over 150,000 direct jobs and more than 500,000 livelihoods, now faces the risk of layoffs and reduced earnings if the situation persists.

Industry players warn that prolonged disruptions could see Kenya lose market share to competitors such as Ethiopia and Colombia, unless urgent interventions are implemented.


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