This archive report was first published on 5 June 2020.
As the world grapples with the Covid-19 pandemic, Kenya's flower industry has been one of the hardest hit. With international markets closed and local demand low, many flower farms have been forced to shut down or scale back operations.
However, in a heartwarming display of solidarity, the Kenya Private Sector Alliance, through the Agriculture Sector Network (ASNET), launched the Flowers of Hope caravan. The initiative aimed to distribute flowers from local growers to hospitals in Kenya and abroad, bringing a much-needed smile to those on the frontlines of the pandemic.
President Uhuru Kenyatta was approached to pen a message of hope to be printed on the flower sleeves, which read: 'There have been a few moments in history when the world has faced a crisis as far-reaching and consequential as this. It is exactly at moments such as this that we must display our humanity, perseverance and hope.'
The caravan was led by Bimal Kantaria, the co-chair of ASNET and Managing Director of Elgon Kenya, an agriculture inputs company that supplies to the flower industry. Kantaria, who understood the pain of the growers, donated all the flower sleeves to support the initiative and even added masks to the support system, supplying thousands to hospitals and other Covid-19 support groups.
As businesses shut down and scale back operations, Elgon Kenya has stood by its staff, providing food packs to employees, the community, and other selected need groups. Kantaria's efforts have not gone unnoticed, as he was recognized as one of the 66 Uzalendo Champions on Madaraka Day for his contributions to the Covid-19 efforts.
For the flower industry, this recognition is a testament to the importance of the sector, which has given Kenya a global profile.
SEE ALSO: Flower Farms receive Fairtrade Premium boost to support workers
