Kenya’s flower industry generated 108 billion shillings (approximately 835 million U.S. dollars) in export earnings in 2024, a slight increase from the 827 million dollars recorded in 2023, according to a trade association.
Clement Tulezi, CEO of the Kenya Flower Council, stated in Nairobi that the European Union (EU) remained the largest market, accounting for 70 percent of the sector’s foreign exchange revenue.
Figures from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics show that the flower industry remains one of the country’s top foreign exchange earners, alongside diaspora remittances, tourism, tea, and coffee.
Tulezi highlighted that China took in 2% of Kenya’s flower exports in 2024, with significant potential for growth as a key market.
However, he pointed out that the industry faces major challenges, particularly rising air freight and labour costs. Additionally, disruptions in the Red Sea have led to increased transportation expenses for exports to the EU.
Kenya Remains the Top Supplier
Kenya continues to be the leading exporter of flowers to Kyrgyzstan, with shipments reaching 16.67 million flowers worth $4.97 million in 2024. This marks a significant increase from 2023, when the country supplied 12.16 million flowers valued at $3.5 million. Renowned for its high-quality roses, Kenya benefits from an ideal climate for flower cultivation and a well-established export infrastructure, allowing it to maintain a stronghold in the Central Asian market.
Kyrgyzstan saw a sharp rise in flower imports in 2024, reflecting a growing demand for floral products in the region. In the first 11 months of the year, the country imported 29.2 million tons of cut flowers and buds worth $11.22 million—almost doubling the 16.25 million tons valued at $5.83 million imported in 2023.
Other Major Suppliers Expanding Their Presence
While Kenya dominates the market, several other countries have increased their exports to Kyrgyzstan in 2024:
- Ecuador saw the largest growth, exporting 10.93 million flowers worth $5.52 million, compared to 3.4 million flowers valued at $2.03 million in 2023. The country’s renowned rose industry continues to expand its international reach.
- The Netherlands recorded exports of 818,479 flowers worth $405,000, up from 364,193 flowers valued at $175,000 in 2023, maintaining its reputation as a global flower hub.
- China made a significant leap, supplying 437,848 flowers valued at $187,000—an enormous rise from just 36,230 flowers worth $15,000 in the previous year.
- Colombia showed steady growth, increasing its exports to 168,825 flowers valued at $77,000, compared to 142,645 flowers worth $71,000 in 2023.
- Kazakhstan also saw a surge, sending 90,280 flowers worth $30,000, up from only 11,196 flowers valued at $5,000 in 2023.
Declines and New Market Entrants
Despite the overall growth in imports, some suppliers saw a downturn:
- Turkey experienced a sharp decline, with exports dropping to 40,000 flowers from 126,760 in 2023, and total value falling from $25,000 to just $8,000.
- Italy also saw a reduction, exporting only 1,870 flowers worth $1,000, compared to 10,100 flowers valued at $5,000 in the previous year.
Meanwhile, new players entered the Kyrgyz market:
Belgium joined the market, shipping 3,580 flowers valued at $3,000.
Uzbekistan made its debut with 47,705 flowers worth $24,000.