Kenya’s flower exports dropped by 12 percent in 2024. Data from the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) shows exports fell to 116,273 tonnes worth Sh72.1 billion. This was a decline of Sh1.4 billion from 2023.
AFA blamed logistics and strict regulations for the drop. A cargo crisis at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) worsened the problem. The Red Sea conflict diverted shipping from the Suez Canal to the Cape of Good Hope. As a result, freight costs rose sharply.
Several airlines stopped cargo services from Nairobi. Qatar Airways removed two freighters to Liege, Belgium, cutting 200 tonnes of capacity. Turkish Airlines cut a weekly flight to Maastricht, Netherlands, losing another 100 tonnes. Airlines chose more profitable routes, such as Asia–US. On those routes, they earned up to $8 (Sh1,033) per kilo. From Kenya, they earned only $2.5 (Sh323) per kilo.
Roses dominate Kenya’s flower exports, making up 70.2 percent of total sales. Their share is, however, shrinking. The Netherlands buys about 70 percent of Kenya’s flowers. Other markets include the UK, Germany, Italy, and France.
The European Union (EU) tightened its inspection rules in 2024. Officials rejected 95 consignments and intercepted 48 more due to false codling moth concerns. This affected 2.1 million flower stems worth €1.1 million (Sh167 million).
Border checks on Kenyan roses rose from 10 percent to 25 percent. Farmers had to spend more on pest control, insect-proof netting, and staff training. These costs, along with high freight rates, cut into profits.
Despite the decline, flowers remained Kenya’s top horticultural export. In 2024, they earned Sh72.1 billion, making up 53 percent of the country’s total export value.
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