Iran War’s Latest Casualty: Kenya’s Flower Industry

Kenya’s flower industry is facing severe financial strain as the war in Iran disrupts global shipping and weakens demand. Growers report losing as much as $1.4 million per week, according to the Kenya Flower Council (KFC), the private organization representing local cut flower and ornamental exporters. Over the past three weeks, the council estimates losses have exceeded $4.2 million. “Movement has slowed, routes have become longer, and transport costs are soaring,” said KFC CEO Clement Tulezi.

Horticulture is one of Kenya’s most valuable sectors, generating more than $800 million annually, according to the Central Bank of Kenya. At Isinya Flower Farms, located about 35 miles south of Nairobi, marketing chief Anantha Kumar said exports have fallen sharply. “We used to ship 450,000 stems daily. Now it’s around 150,000 to 200,000, meaning we discard roughly half of our production,” Kumar explained. Typically, direct exports to Middle Eastern markets make up 30% of Isinya’s sales and about 15% of national flower exports, while Europe remains the primary destination, accounting for roughly 70%.

Although the Middle East is not Kenya’s largest export market, the conflict there is causing delays and rising costs for shipments to Europe. “High freight rates are preventing customers from buying,” Kumar said. “There are very few available flights, as many Middle Eastern carriers have stopped operations, and European carriers are charging around $5 per kilogram—double the usual rate.”

Industry leaders warn that prolonged conflict could push the sector into a crisis similar to what was seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. With around half a million Kenyans employed directly in horticulture, job losses are a major concern. The Kenya Flower Council says it is urging the government to establish direct cargo flights to Europe to protect the market and support growers.

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