This archive report was first published on 21 August 2019.
Kenya has long been the world's 4th largest flower exporter, generating over $500 million (KSh51.5 billion) annually. However, its position in the international market may be challenged if Australia maintains its September 1st 2019 deadline for fumigating Kenyan flower exports.
Introduced on March 1st 2019, the bio-security rules require flowers to be fumigated at least 18 hours before export. Initially set to be implemented by July 1st, the deadline was pushed to September 1st following negotiations between the two countries.
Kenya argues that setting up a fumigation plant would be a costly venture, estimated at KSh500 million. Nevertheless, three private companies - SGS, Vegpro Group, and Panalpina Kenya Limited - have been issued permits to invest in the fumigation plant.
Currently, flowers exported to Australia are fumigated at the port of entry. If Kenya fails to comply with the directives by September 1st, flower exports to Australia will be halted, resulting in potential losses of KSh2.7 billion.
Kenya's flower exports to Australia average 30 tonnes per month, with other exports being made to Europe, the United States, and parts of Africa.
