Farmers losing Sh516million worth of export flowers weekly over US-Israel war against Iran
Membership Engagement and Communications Head at the KFC Lina Jamwa warned that the industry projects further losses if the three month Middle East crisis is not tamed in the next two months.
By Nicholas Waitathu
Farmers are losing Sh516million (4 million US Dollars) worth of cut flower exports every week following the ongoing US-Iran war among other global supply chain interruptions, the Kenya Flower Council (KFC) has confirmed.
Membership Engagement and Communications Head at the KFC Lina Jamwa warned that the industry projects further losses if the three month Middle East crisis is not tamed in the next two months.
Captains of industry warn there might be decline in export volumes of up to 20 per cent, export losses exceeding $15 million every month, potential loss of up to 50,000 jobs, closure of small and medium sized farms. And loss of global market share to competitors such as Colombia, Ecuador and Ethiopia.
Last week countrywide demonstrations following fuel prices increase Jimwa said the sector recorded loss to the tune of Sh200 million companies.
During a press briefing on International Floriculture Trade Fair 2026 (IFTEX) at a Nairobi hotel, Jimwa said Kenya flower industry celebrates a lot of achievements for the last four decades positioning itself not only as a supplier of flowers but as the global benchmark for sustainable floriculture.
“However, even as we celebrate these achievements, we must also speak honestly about the realities facing the industry today. The Kenya flower sector is currently experiencing one of the most difficult operating environments since the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Jamwa.
She added, “Over the past several weeks, the industry has faced severe pressure arising from geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, global supply chain disruptions, escalating fuel prices and rising input costs. These challenges are real. They are immediate. And they are already affecting growers, exporters, workers and Kenya’s foreign exchange earnings.”
Air freight costs she added have risen dramatically from approximately $3.10 per kilogramme to nearly $5.00 per kg accounting for a 60 per cent increase within a short period. Freight accounts for between 40 and 60 per cent of total export cost during peak periods. “As a result, approximately $4 million worth of flower exports are currently at risk every single week,” Jamwa told journalists during the briefing.
The KFC official said the geopolitical tensions in the Middle East risk cancellation of local fresh produce contracts by international buyers as exporters reduce ships of cargo to Europe due to cargo cost increase.
The industry she said is further suffering due to escalating fertilizer prices by approximately 25 per cent within one week, increasing production cost by between 20 and 30 per cent, revenue decline of up to 75 per cent due to shipment delays and perishability losses.
In addition to over 10 billion unsettled VAT refunds creating a major liquidity crisis within the sector. She warned that if the conditions persist over the next 30 to 60 days, without intervention, the consequences could be severe..
Organized by the HPP worldwide, IFTEX 2026 is expected to attract more than 210 exhibitors out of which more than 20 per cent will be growers.
Dick van Raamsdonk CEO of HPP Exhibitions –the lead organizer of IFTEX 2026 said the flower industry over the years has registered remarkable growth characterized by new players, markets and continued global demand for the show.
“Considering the current international political and economic turmoil – consequences of which we all feel –it is impressive to see how the Kenyan flower sector continues to grow,” said Mr. Raamsdonk.
Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) Acting Director General Calistus Kundu said Kenya exported 457,700 metric tonnes of horticulture produce valued at Sh143.78 billion out of which the cut flower industry generated Sh110 billion.
“Beyond serving as a key trading platform for flowers, the event will also provide an important opportunity for stakeholders to collaborate in addressing emerging challenges affecting the flower industry. IFTEX 2026 further offers a strategic platform to showcase kunya’s global leadership in floriculture and strengthen confidence in the country’s horticulture sector,” said Kudu.
