Kenya's cut flower exporters are shifting to sea freight due to the high expense of air freight.
At Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, freighters are charging a hefty $5.8 per kilo of cargo, prompting exporters to explore cheaper alternatives.
According to Clement Tulezi, CEO of the Kenya Flower Council, the high air freight costs have made Ethiopian goods more competitive in the global market.
The Kenya Flower Council has partnered with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to facilitate the transition to sea freight for perishable products.
A full-time role of agro-logistics coordinator has been created to oversee the program, which aims to reduce costs and increase efficiency.
Refrigerated train containers will be used to transport the blossoms to the Port of Mombasa for export to Europe, where nearly 70% of Kenya's cut flower exports are destined.
