The volume of exported cut flowers dropped from 8.6 thousand metric tonnes in May 2024 to 6.7 thousand metric tonnes in June 2024, with their value decreasing from KSh 6.6 billion to KSh 5.2 billion, according to data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS).
- In its latest Leading Economic Indicators, KNBS data shows that Kenya exported 13, 495 metric tonnes of cut flowers in May last year with the value hitting KShs. 8.2 billion compared to June’s value of KShs. 7.1 billion from 11,995 metric tonnes export.
- February recorded the highest volume of 16,102 metric tonnes, ostensibly due to Valentine’s Day, followed by January’s 12,479 metric tonnes fetching the country KShs. 13.2 billion and KShs. 14 billion respectively.
- A review of Floriculture sector by the Kenya Flower Council indicates that it faces challenges from both local rules and international standards including taxes, red tape, and strict restrictions, especially from Europe.
The quantity of cut flowers exported in March and April this year stood at 8,710 and 9,098 metric tonnes respectively with the value of KShs. 6.1 billion and KShs. 6.9 billion respectively.
“Looking ahead, it seems Europe will have even stricter rules, which could mean more challenges for Kenyan flower farms. To stay ahead, these farms should think about locking in sales and prices in advance, trying out different fower types, selling to new markets outside Europe, and looking into products like dried flowers or oils,” the Kenya Flower Council said in its review.
Cut flowers fall under the fresh horticulture category which also includes fruits and vegetables. KNBS data indicates the volume of exported fruits rose from 21.7 thousand metric tonnes in May 2024 to 24.2 thousand metric tonnes in June 2024, with a corresponding increase in value from KShs 4.6 billion to KShs 5.1 billion.
The volume of exported vegetables was 4.2 thousand metric tonnes in June 2024, with a value of KSh 1.8 billion.
The quantity of tea exported rose from 42.9 thousand MT in June 2024 to 54.3 thousand MT in July 2024, accompanied by an increase in value from KShs 11.8 billion to KShs 15.5 billion.
The volume of trade expanded from KShs 295.8 billion in June 2024 to KShs 323.1 billion in July 2024. In the same period, the total export value grew from KSh 87.2 billion to KSh 97.0 billion, while the total import value rose from KShs 208.6 billion to KShs 226.1 billion.
Uganda and the USA were Kenya’s primary export destinations, with values of KSh 10.8 billion and KSh 7.5 billion, respectively, in July 2024.
China and the United Arab Emirates were the leading importing partners, with values of KSh 59.7 billion and KSh 28.6 billion, respectively, in July 2024.
