NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya’s flower exporters have suffered losses of up to Sh623.5 million in recent weeks as escalating conflict in the Middle East continues to disrupt global cargo routes and dampen demand.
Industry players say the Iran war has severely affected the movement of flowers, with the Kenya Flower Council warning that exporters are now grappling with delays, reduced freight capacity, and soaring transport costs.
Recent data shows the sector has been losing up to $1.4 million (about Sh177 million) weekly since the conflict began, translating into hundreds of millions of shillings in cumulative losses over a short period.
Cargo disruption hits exports
The Middle East plays a critical dual role in Kenya’s floriculture industry, not only as a key export destination but also as a major transit hub for shipments to Europe, the country’s largest flower market.
However, the ongoing conflict has disrupted airspace and reduced cargo capacity by up to 30 percent, forcing airlines to reroute flights and delay deliveries.
These disruptions have had a direct impact on the highly perishable flower exports, with delays of up to 48 hours significantly affecting quality and market value.
Freight costs surge
Exporters are also facing sharply increased freight charges, with rates rising to as high as $5–$5.80 per kilogram—more than double the normal cost.
Industry stakeholders say the higher costs are making Kenyan flowers less competitive in international markets, leading to reduced orders.
“With the current freight rates, customers are not able to buy,” industry officials noted, highlighting the growing strain on exporters.
Exports drop, losses mount
At farm level, the impact has been immediate and severe. Some growers report export volumes dropping by more than half, forcing them to discard up to 50% of harvested flowers due to logistical bottlenecks.
Over a three-week period, total losses have run into millions of dollars, with a significant portion attributed to flowers that perish before reaching markets.
Farms heavily reliant on Middle Eastern routes have reported revenue declines of up to 75%, underscoring the scale of the disruption.
Wider economic risk
The floriculture sector is one of Kenya’s top foreign exchange earners, generating over $800 million annually and supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs.
Experts warn that prolonged disruptions could trigger job losses and mirror the economic shock experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Kenya Flower Council is now pushing for urgent interventions, including the introduction of direct cargo flights to Europe, to cushion exporters and stabilise the industry.
As the conflict continues, the sector faces an uncertain outlook, with exporters warning that sustained logistical challenges could threaten the long-term viability of one of Kenya’s most critical industries.
