Kenya’s flower export sector, renowned for its high-quality blooms that grace European markets, is grappling with significant challenges due to a critical shortage of airfreight capacity. This crisis, worsened by the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, has placed immense pressure on exporters who are struggling to maintain their competitive edge during the peak export season.
The Current Airfreight Crisis
As one of the leading flower exporters globally, with over 70% of its flower exports destined for Europe, Kenya’s economy heavily relies on this sector. However, a combination of rising shipping costs and limited airfreight availability has led to a 200% increase in transport expenses.
The total volume of flowers exported from Kenya is projected to decline by approximately 20% if the airfreight issues persist, significantly impacting the livelihoods of thousands of farmers and exporters.
Kenya’s main airport, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), has become a focal point of this crisis. The airport is facing congestion and logistical challenges, which have been attributed to a lack of dedicated cargo capacity and the high demand for passenger flights, further limiting available space for flower shipments. The Kenya Flower Council has urged the government to take immediate action to facilitate better air transport arrangements.
Exploring Solutions and Future Outlook
To combat these challenges, stakeholders are exploring various solutions, including securing dedicated cargo flights and enhancing logistics infrastructure. The Kenyan government is being called upon to invest in better facilities at JKIA and potentially expand cargo operations to alternative airports.
Moreover, exporters are considering diversifying their markets, with some looking towards emerging markets in Asia and the Middle East, where demand for fresh flowers is on the rise.
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