Kenya ’s floriculture industriousness is a critical part of the economic system , yield million in taxation and providing jobs to thousands of citizenry . As the top exporter of rosebush thin out flowers to the European Union ( EU ) , Kenya has closely 40 % grocery portion , with most flowers sold through Dutch auction bridge . Despite this winner , the sector is facing arise challenges , let in new pests , pest population physique - ups , stricter phytosanitary essential from importing country , and fewer pest control choice due to limited chemical substance take into account .
In answer , the EU has increased its inspections of Kenyan flower consignments . Back in 2018 , only 5 % of shipments were inspect . But starting May 1st , 2024 , inspection levels have been increased to 25 % , as outlined in the EU ’s official diary print on February 21st , 2024 .
Moreover , a new regularisation , EU Regulation 2024/2004 , will come into effect on April 26th , 2025 , further tightening the principle on pest direction . These stricter regulation necessitate straightaway action mechanism from Kenyan producers . Flower farm will require to seat in better pest command metre , better monitoring , and comply with EU measure to avoid devastating shock on their stage business and the entire industry . Failure to do so could jeopardize Kenya ’s stead as a top efflorescence exporter and menace the livelihoods of thousands of proletarian who depend on this sphere .
To address this challenge , a collaborative approach is needed , hence the partnership between Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Services ( KEPHIS ) , the Kenya Flower Council , and the Kingdom of the Netherlands to wave out an intensive one - week training shop across Kenya ’s key blossom - develop regions , include Nairobi , Naivasha , Nakuru , and Timau . This aimed at equipping snub flower grower with the knowledge and tools necessitate to manage FCM more effectively .
While representing Prof. Theophilus M. Mutui , Managing Director , KEPHIS during the prescribed commencement of the training in Nairobi , Simon Mucheru Maina ; Head , Seed Certification and Plant Variety Protection department – KEPHIS re - emphasise how the fresh regulations have a serious negative impact on business .
" The challenge ahead of us calls for a grave dialogue , strong collaboration , and working together , synergizing where we can and shedding those practices which did not work . We must think and act differently . Our market place , the EU has clearly fix their necessary : " NO FCM and other Regulated pests in consignments being spell into the EU territory . " – Simon M. Maina , Head of Seed Certification and Plant Variety Protection department ( KEPHIS )
From inquiry , KEPHIS has blueprint an integrated approach , that ( once revised and adapted ) will work in addressing FCM . The organization coming integrate various method ; biologic , ethnic , mechanical , and chemical , that together provide a more sustainable and effective approach to pest control . The idea is to produce a serial of barriers , each cut the likelihood of pests survive and go around . This advance is particularly effectual for FCM because it considers the complexness of the moth ’s lifecycle and place different stage of its exploitation , finally allowing for a more lively and sustainable way of managing FCM . It is also important in ensuring compliance with international phytosanitary regulating , as it allows commonwealth like Kenya to address pesterer matter holistically while denigrate environmental shock and resistor to control measures .
The systems approach incorporates several self-governing valuation measures designed to ensure effective pest control and compliance with external standards . These admit steady greenhouse unity assessments , proper pestilence management , constant release item inspections , organisation audit , and quality control at the packhouse .
While adapting to global requirements may impose significant monetary value on producers , efficaciously address the False Codling Moth ( FCM ) challenge is vital for achieving inspection rates of less than 2 % . This termination will not only minimize interceptions but also facilitate smoother craft process . With the April 26 , 2025 , deadline chop-chop come near , the winner of these intervention relies to a great extent on the collaborative effort of all stakeholder . By fostering open dialogue , exchanging best practices , and remain adaptable to evolving challenges , Kenya ’s floriculture sphere can carry on its hard - earned reputation , sustain its vital economic contributions , and protect the livelihoods of one thousand who calculate on this industry . The journey ahead demands urgency , commitment , innovative solutions , and cooperation to ensure a thriving future for Kenya ’s cut flower exports .
Source : Agroberichten Buitenland
