ISINYA — The Kenya Flower Council is lobbying the Kenyan government to introduce direct cargo flights to Europe to maintain the European market and cushion growers. Kenya's flower industry has reported weekly losses of up to $1.4 million since the Iran war began.

The ongoing conflict has resulted in over $4.2 million in losses for Kenya's flower industry over the last three weeks, according to the Kenya Flower Council. Middle Eastern cargo carriers have suspended freight operations, while European freight carriers are charging about $5 per kilo, twice the normal rate.

At Isinya Flower Farms, located 56 kilometers south of Nairobi, daily exports have fallen from 450,000 stems to between 150,000 and 200,000 stems. Europe is the largest market for Kenya's flower exports, accounting for up to 70% of exports.

"We are seeing a reduction in movement, delays in movement of produce, and longer routes, while pricing is extremely high. Last week, we were at $5.80 per kilo, which is the highest we've had in the last 10 years," said Clement Tulezi, Chief Executive Officer.

Growers warn that, should the conflict drag on, the flower sector will continue to deteriorate with scenarios similar to the COVID-19 period.

Kenya's flower industry directly employs up to half a million Kenyans. Direct flower exports to the Middle East account for up to 15% of national exports, while at Isinya Flower Farms, direct exports to the Middle East account for about 30% of business.

Kenya's horticulture sector is worth over $800 million annually, according to the Central Bank of Kenya.