The International Flower Trade Expo (IFTEX) 2025 opened with a resounding message of resilience, innovation, and partnership from the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS). In a speech delivered on his behalf by Dr. Josiah Syanda of KEPHIS, Managing Director Prof. Theophilus M. Mutui reaffirmed KEPHIS’ commitment to protecting Kenya’s horticultural exports while helping the sector navigate shifting global market requirements.
Industry Strength in Numbers
Prof. Mutui’s address noted that Kenya’s horticulture and floriculture exports remain a major pillar of the economy. In 2024 alone, KEPHIS facilitated the export of more than 573,000 consignments of fresh produce, including 240,000 tons of fresh-cut flowers, generating approximately KES 136 billion in value. This vibrant trade directly supports over 200,000 jobs and sustains over 4 million livelihoods nationwide.
“It gives me great pleasure to stand before you today during this event that showcases not just the beauty of our horticultural products, but also the resilience and unity of this industry,” he told the gathering at Nairobi’s IFTEX.
The European Union remains Kenya’s largest flower market, absorbing over 70 percent of the country’s floriculture exports, now valued at over KES 120 billion annually. Other key destinations include the UK, the US, South Korea, Australia, Japan, and the Middle East.
Responding to New Export Market Regulations
The sector continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience, especially following the recent enforcement of tighter phytosanitary regulations by the EU, UK, and South Korea. These new rules, driven largely by the need to control False Codling Moth (Thaumatotibia leucotreta), have required enhanced surveillance, improved traceability systems, and tighter integrated pest management (IPM) protocols.
Prof. Mutui acknowledged the collaborative response by growers, exporters, industry associations, plant health experts, and regulators. “The systems approach we developed together is proving effective, thanks to growers who have deployed their energies to deliver top-quality, compliant produce,” he said.
KEPHIS has intensified pest monitoring efforts and reinforced compliance training across the industry to help growers meet the new market demands while safeguarding the country’s hard-won export markets.
Embracing Innovation for Export Assurance
KEPHIS is advancing several strategic innovations aimed at bolstering market confidence and enhancing export efficiency:
- ePhyto System: The electronic phytosanitary certification platform improves document traceability, reduces processing time, and addresses challenges linked to physical paperwork.
- Capacity Building: Ongoing training for exporters and smallholder farmers is equipping the sector to meet evolving phytosanitary standards.
- Risk-Based Inspections: Streamlining export procedures through targeted, efficient inspections minimizes unnecessary delays and costs.
- AI Integration: The agency is piloting artificial intelligence tools for faster pest identification, early warning alerts, and real-time, data-driven decision-making.
- Climate-Smart Adjustments: With growing interest in sustainable logistics, KEPHIS is actively supporting the sector’s gradual shift from air freight to sea freight. This includes updated inspection protocols, enhanced post-harvest treatment procedures, and cold chain integrity monitoring.
Prof. Mutui emphasized that safeguarding Kenya’s place in the global floriculture market requires continued collaboration. “We are committed to working with all of you to promote sustainable growth through enhanced research, digital tools, and regional and international partnerships,” he affirmed.
He closed by recognizing the collective commitment shown by the industry. “The journey is not without its challenges, but with unity of purpose and continued investment in quality systems, we will continue to thrive. KEPHIS remains your trusted partner in safeguarding plant health and facilitating safe trade.”
