Kenyan flower growers used the opening of Africa’s largest floriculture trade show in Nairobi on Tuesday to press international buyers for fairer pricing as production costs climb.
The 13th International Flower Trade Exhibition (IFTEX) drew a record 210 exhibitors and hundreds of buyers from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. The turnout topped last year’s 189 exhibitors even as the sector absorbs rising freight and compliance costs.
Kenya Flower Council Chief Executive Clement Tulezi led the call for change, arguing that “value must be fairly distributed along the supply chain.” He urged retailers and importers to hold open talks on sustainable pricing while growers shoulder mounting expenses.
The appeal lands at a strong moment for the industry. Kenya ranks as Africa’s largest flower exporter and the world’s third largest cut flower supplier, earning roughly 110 billion shillings a year and supporting more than 200,000 direct jobs, many of them held by women and young people.
Europe remains the anchor market. European Union (EU) representative Filippo Amato said Kenya supplies more than 40 percent of the bloc’s imported flowers, with annual sales above 500 million euros. He pledged continued backing through the economic partnership agreement between Kenya and the EU, along with investment in cold chain logistics.
Investments, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui opened the show and said the government would ease the business climate through better logistics, faster tax refunds, and wider market access. He framed floriculture as a driver of jobs, foreign exchange, and women’s empowerment.
Organiser HPP International called the record turnout a vote of confidence in Kenya despite global headwinds. The Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) reported progress in digitising certification and cutting interceptions tied to the False Codling Moth, a pest that threatens access to European markets.
Industry leaders said Kenya is positioned to expand into North America, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia while holding its traditional markets. The exhibition runs through Thursday.
