This archive report was first published on 2 July 2020.
Kenya's cut flower exports are facing a significant challenge due to a 127% rise in freight costs, which has disrupted the industry's operations.
According to Kenya Flower Council CEO Clement Tulezi, the cost of hauling a kilogram of cut flowers has increased from Sh138.45 to Sh314.18, making it difficult for exporters to meet the demand of 3,800 tonnes per week.
Mr Tulezi attributed the increase in freight costs to the grounding of cargo flights due to fears of Covid-19 spread, forcing the industry to rely on South-bound freight airlines that transport medical supplies and other equipment to Nigeria and South Africa.
Kenya exports the bulk of its cut flowers to the European Union countries, with last year's earnings from flower exports standing at Sh120 billion.
However, the European market is now 100% open as countries ease lockdown measures, and the local industry expects flower production to hit 80% by the end of the year.
Despite the challenges, the Kenya Flower Council is engaging with freight companies on freight consolidation to make it viable for freighters to pick flowers even as they look at northward bound flights.
