Kenya’s floriculture sector continues to battle misleading headlines that overshadow its remarkable strides in sustainability and ethical practices. The Kenya Flower Council (KFC) is pushing back, determined to highlight the industry’s real progress and commitment to responsible flower production.
Addressing the Myths
The Kenyan flower industry has changed dramatically over the past two decades, yet outdated claims persist. One of the most common accusations is that flower farms use banned pesticides. Clement Tulezi, CEO of the Kenya Flower Council, strongly refutes this.
“It is simply not true that growers in Kenya can use any pesticide they want,” Tulezi explains. “We have strict regulations and a controlled list of approved pesticides. If a grower doesn’t comply, they cannot export their flowers.”
To reinforce these high standards, KFC carries out Maximum Residue Level (MRL) checks. The fact that Kenya’s flower farms go the extra mile highlights their commitment to safety and sustainability.
Sustainability at the Core
Environmental responsibility is now a cornerstone of Kenya’s flower sector. Farms have embraced water conservation, renewable energy, and sustainable pest control practices. Many use drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and waste recycling to minimize their environmental footprint.
To track their sustainability efforts, growers are adopting tools like the Ecotrace App, which measures water usage. The Kenya Flower Council has also introduced the Flowers and Ornamentals Sustainability Standard, known as KFC Silver, which sets rigorous environmental and social benchmarks.
“Sustainability has become the hallmark of our industry,” Tulezi says. “We are committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. Every Kenyan flower is a symbol of care for the planet.”
Certifications that Matter
The industry’s sustainability efforts aren’t just talk—they are backed by internationally recognized certifications. Nearly 130 flower-exporting farms under the Kenya Flower Council are certified through the KFC Silver Standard, or GlobalGAP, ensuring they meet strict environmental and social responsibility requirements.
The KFC Silver Standard is also part of the EU-based Floriculture Sustainability Initiative (FSI) Basket of Standards, meaning Kenyan flowers meet some of the highest sustainability benchmarks in the world.
Changing Perceptions
Despite these efforts, many consumers and buyers are unaware of how much the industry has evolved. Visitors to Kenyan flower farms are often surprised by the level of progress, and Tulezi believes the industry must do more to share its achievements.
“The Kenya Flower Council has focused on producer-driven initiatives, but we also need to communicate our sustainability success stories more widely,” he says.
Beyond sustainability, Kenya’s flower industry plays a vital role in the country’s economy. It directly employs over 200,000 people, supports another 1.5 million, and provides livelihoods for around 4 million Kenyans—most of them women.
“With an unemployment rate of 40%, floriculture is an essential economic driver,” Tulezi explains. “Its impact cannot be overstated.”
Commitment to Transparency and Higher Standards
The Kenya Flower Council supports initiatives that promote transparency and improve industry standards. Recently, the French Agency for Food, Environmental, and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) launched an investigation into pesticide exposure among floriculture professionals. Rather than resisting, KFC welcomes the move.
“This is an important step in recognizing the progress and sustainability efforts of our industry,” Tulezi notes.
KFC also stresses the importance of collaboration across the entire supply chain. Retailers, wholesalers, and logistics providers all have a role in ensuring consumers access responsibly grown flowers. Florists, in particular, can help build consumer trust by promoting sustainable flowers.