Kenya’s flower industry is facing significant export disruptions as tensions escalate in the Middle East, according to industry officials.
The development threatens one of the country’s key foreign exchange earners, which relies heavily on international air freight to deliver fresh flowers to global markets.
Speaking to Xinhua on March 5, Clement Tulezi, chief executive officer of the Kenya Flower Council (KFC), said the Middle East remains a crucial market for Kenyan flowers, accounting for about 10 to 15 percent of the country’s total exports. Major destinations include the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
Tulezi noted that the industry depends on reliable air cargo services due to the highly perishable nature of flowers. With disruptions affecting shipments to the Middle East, exporters have been forced to divert consignments to alternative markets, a move that has resulted in lower prices and increased logistical costs.
According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, the flower industry is among the country’s leading sources of foreign exchange, alongside diaspora remittances, tourism, tea and coffee exports.
Industry estimates indicate that the disruption has already led to losses or delays in flower exports valued at between 1.6 million and 1.8 million U.S. dollars over the past five days. The Kenya Flower Council said it is working with exporters, airlines, freight operators and government agencies to identify alternative cargo routes and implement temporary relief measures to minimise the impact on the sector.