Masila Kanyingi
Remember Simon Makonde, the Class Six legend who lived a full life in just seven days? Born Monday, died Sunday, and still found time to confuse generations of pupils. Inspirational stuff. Well, much like Makonde, our week in Floriweek has been brief, dramatic, and slightly absurd.
This week we start by dipping our toes (and boots) into the agrochemical sector with Rethinking Pesticides: Why Post-Registration Reviews Matter. Turns out, pesticides are a bit like politicians: they need constant reviewing, because if left unchecked, they cause more problems than they solve.
Royal FloraHolland then handed the mic to Nancy Kurgat of Sian Flowers, who diplomatically assured Europe, “Don’t worry, we meet your impossible standards.” Translation: “Yes, we know you want roses grown with one drop of water, zero pesticides, and sung lullabies by organic farmers. We’re working on it.”
Meanwhile, Senthil Kumaran announced Kenya has moved beyond roses. “You name a flower, it’s grown here.” Which sounds impressive, but let’s be honest, if tomorrow Europe decides moss is the hot new wedding trend, Kenyan growers will be shipping moss bouquets by Tuesday.
Across borders, MPS has a new general director, Linda Hoogendoorn-Veelenturf, ready to issue certification and color-code crop protection substances like a floral traffic officer. Because if you’re going to spray chemicals, at least do it with stylish labels.
Germany remains Europe’s flower-hungry beast, devouring roses like they’re sausages at Oktoberfest. Exporters compete for the market with the desperation of fans refreshing Safaricom’s network during a concert.
And back home? Flowers fuel 2.5% of Kenya’s GDP and feed 200,000 households. Every bloom is basically an unsung national hero: brave, tax-compliant, and far more useful than most politicians.
Catch you Thursday, August 11th, if we haven’t all wilted like forgotten Valentine’s bouquets.