October 16, 2025
A significant public consultation has opened, inviting stakeholders across the floriculture sector to participate in the Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative’s (SSCI) latest benchmarking process. This consultation focuses on two key floral sustainability schemes: the Kenya Flower Council’s Flowers and Ornamentals Sustainability Standards (FOSS) and MPS’s MPS-Socially Qualified (MPS-SQ) standard.
Running from October 13 to November 13, 2025, the stakeholder consultation invites feedback on the benchmarking reports that independently assess these programmes against SSCI’s rigorous social compliance criteria within the Primary Production scope.
As principal actors in the global floriculture trade, both KFC and MPS are central to promoting ethical and sustainable practices from farm to market. The Kenya Flower Council, as the country’s foremost body representing growers and exporters of cut flowers and ornamentals, has long championed sustainable production through its internationally recognized FOSS standard. Meanwhile, the MPS-Socially Qualified certification offers robust guidelines to uphold fair labor conditions, health, and safety grounded firmly in human rights principles.
The SSCI benchmarking process is designed to foster transparency and confidence in sustainability standards by conducting independent reviews of submitted schemes. Following an initial self-assessment, the SSCI Benchmark Leader conducts expert evaluations and office visits, culminating in this critical public stakeholder consultation phase. The process ensures that certification programs meet industry expectations for social responsibility and sustainability, with opportunities for the schemes to refine their submissions based on feedback.
Clement Tulezi, CEO of the Kenya Flower Council, emphasized the importance of the benchmarking process: “KFC is committed to complying with the highest quality system regulations, ensuring impartiality and objectivity in our certification process. This benchmarking will enhance service delivery and strengthen sustainability compliance among our producers.”
Stakeholders interested in shaping the future of sustainability compliance in floriculture are encouraged to register to receive the detailed benchmarking reports and submit their comments by November 13. This transparent approach is expected to reinforce Kenya’s position as a trusted leader in the global flower market.
The consultation highlights ongoing efforts to align Kenya’s floriculture industry with global best practices on ethical trade, human rights, and environmental stewardship; critical factors for maintaining market access and competitive advantage.
For more information and to participate, stakeholders can fill out the consultation form available via the SSCI platform here: SSCI