Kenya’s flower industry is grappling with a significant export shortfall ahead of Valentine’s Day, with shipments falling short by up to 20 per cent due to reduced air freight capacity. The Kenya Flower Council (KFC) has attributed the setback to several international airlines withdrawing cargo services from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), citing low returns compared to other global routes.
KFC CEO Clement Tulezi stated that the industry currently has access to only 3,500 tonnes of freight capacity per week against a demand of 4,800 tonnes. “We estimate that between 15 and 20 per cent of our flowers cannot be exported due to either high costs or lack of available cargo space. This has significantly impacted our export volumes,” he explained.
Typically, the industry requires at least 3,500 tonnes of freight capacity during the low season. However, the withdrawal of some airlines since November has left a shortfall of 1,000 tonnes, just as demand peaks in the run-up to Valentine’s Day.
Among the affected routes, Qatar Airways cut two freighters transporting flowers from Nairobi to Liege, Belgium, reducing capacity by 200 tonnes, while Turkish Airlines removed a weekly freighter to Maastricht, Netherlands, leading to a further loss of 100 tonnes. These disruptions have exacerbated existing logistical challenges for Kenyan flower exporters.
The bulk of Kenya’s flower exports approximately 70 per cent are destined for the Netherlands, followed by the UK, Germany, Italy, and France. However, rising freight costs have added to the burden, with prices doubling from KSh 258.39 ($2) per kilogramme to KSh 581.37 ($4.50) per kilogramme over the past five months.
“As we approach Valentine’s, there is a real risk that some flowers will not reach their intended markets due to the prohibitive freight costs or lack of available space on flights,” said Mr Tulezi.
A weakened European economy and soaring cargo charges have further dampened prospects for exporters who had been counting on strong sales this season. With the cost of international freight proving unviable for some, many firms are now turning to the local market as an alternative.
The Shippers Council of Eastern Africa has also weighed in on the matter, noting that foreign cargo airlines are shifting focus to more profitable routes globally, drawn by higher demand and better-paying opportunities as global trade picks up ahead of various festive periods.
Despite these setbacks, Kenya’s flower sector remains resilient, with industry players exploring alternative logistics solutions to ensure that the country’s globally renowned blooms continue to reach their intended destinations.