This archive report was first published on 17 June 2020.
June 17, 2020
Kenya's flower exports have seen a remarkable surge to 80% in the last month, a significant recovery from the pandemic's devastating impact.
According to Labour CS Simon Cheruiyot, the sector was one of the hardest hit by the pandemic, with over 339,000 workers employed directly by flower farms across the country. However, the reopening of the European Union market has brought a welcome change.
Speaking in Naivasha, CS Cheruiyot commended Van-Den Berg as the only flower farm that had not sacked any of its employees despite the crisis. He attributed the increase in exports to the government's stimulus packages and VAT refunds, which have cushioned flower farms affected by the pandemic.
CS Cheruiyot also revealed that talks are underway with Kenya Airways to reduce the cost of cargo flights, which has been hampering exports of various goods, including flowers.
On his part, Agricultural Employers Association CEO Wesley Siele called on flower farmers not to uproot their crop, citing hope for the sector's recovery. He identified VAT refunds and stimulus packages as key measures introduced by the government to support flower farmers.
Human Resources Manager at Van-Den Berg farm, George Onyango, echoed similar sentiments, stating that despite the pandemic, they did not sack any of their employees and are currently exporting 80% of their flowers.
Nakuru Deputy Governor Dr. Eric Korir urged the government to support flower farms whose structures had been submerged in water, emphasizing the importance of the sector to the local economy.
