Kenya, 4th world exporter of cut flowers
Kenya ranks among the world’s largest exporters of cut flowers, behind the Netherlands, Colombia and Ecuador. The floriculture sector, the country’s second largest source of agricultural income after tea, continues to grow and play a key role in the Kenyan economy.
Cut flower exports to rise sharply in 2024
Since the beginning of 2024, Kenya has already shipped 200,000 tonnes of cut flowers to international markets, representing 84% of the previous year’s total of 238,000 tonnes. According to Clement Tulezi, Managing Director of the Kenya Floriculture Council (KFC), these figures are expected to continue to grow, with shipments expected to reach 250,000 tonnes by the end of the year. If this forecast comes to fruition, it would mark a 5% increase from 2023, setting a new record for the country’s floriculture sector.
Growing international demand
This growth is largely attributed to increased demand in the international market, especially during key periods such as Valentine’s Day, which accounts for about 40% of Kenya’s annual flower sales. Furthermore, since April this year, the United Kingdom, the second largest export market for Kenyan flowers after the Netherlands, has allowed the import of cut flowers duty-free, facilitating trade and strengthening the competitiveness of Kenyan producers.
A thriving sector for the Kenyan economy
In 2023, cut flower exports earned over Ksh107.6 billion (about $834 million), according to data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS). The floriculture sector also provides income to over 200,000 people in the country, making it a key pillar of the local economy, particularly in rural areas.
Conclusion
Kenya’s floriculture sector is experiencing impressive growth momentum, with exports and revenues being generated steadily increasing. International demand, key periods such as Valentine’s Day, as well as access to key markets such as the UK, are all factors that have propelled the country to become the world’s 4th largest exporter. In the years to come, the Kenyan floriculture sector looks set to continue to grow, supporting the economy and providing employment to hundreds of thousands of people.
