On 30th March 2020 , KEPSA launched a campaign dubbed “ flower of Hope ” under its Economic Framework for COVID-19 response . The campaign will be put through through KEPSA members as follow : Kenya Flower Council ( KFC ) , Kenya Association of Manufacturers ( KAM ) , Elgon Kenya , Kenya Airways and Jambojet with voluntary partners from Rotary Kenya and Women of Kenya Initiative .
KEPSA ’s CEO Ms. Carol Karuga suppose that , “ The run is informed by the realism contribute forth by how the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting world economy . Businesses in Kenya , specially the cut - flower industry is face the harsh world of the computer virus , which puts in peril one of Kenya ’s most successful and internationally acclaimed sector . ”
In 2018 , the floriculture sector earned the country KES 113 billion contributing around 1.07 per penny to the state ’s GDP and is the fourthly largest contributor of foreign exchange after diaspora , touristry and Camellia sinensis . The industry is inclusive lie in of both gravid exporters and little - scale farmers , and about 60 % of Kenya ’s flower farm proletarian are women .
‘ To stick out this sphere ’ she add that , “ We want to use Kenyan flowers as a unite symbol of our community of interests of solidarity and compassion emerge in Kenya and indeed the world as a answer to the Covid-19 testify gratitude and support to the multitude at the frontline of or endure from the pandemic , which will also help in saving thousands of farm caper . ”
According to data from KFC , sales of trimmed flower in oversea markets are below 35 per centime of what we would expect at this fourth dimension of the year . This is mostly drive by the European and United Kingdom markets whose local sale in florist have wane to almost zero . Retailers ( supermarkets ) are opened for of the essence food stuff and cut down flowers stay on the shelf .
Floriculture is a unique industriousness dealing in perishables . Flower plants necessitate to be kept alive and healthy , otherwise , they will die , and the industry will suffer its power to append flowers when the markets open up up .
KFC observe that , “ Every hectare of rose plants costs $ 100,000 and each flora is carry to last five years . The full area of roses under cultivation is in the region of 2,000 ha and this alone make up an investment funds of $ 200million . ”
Despite the lack of sales , cultivator must still water , fertilise and bet after the flowers , otherwise , the flora deteriorates and will not deliver flowers in the future . Security must also be keep to protect the farm substructure and people . Labour is still required to do these tasks so that once the pandemic passes , product and sale can render to expected levels . These ongoing in operation costs surpass by a clear margin of the revenue from reduced sales .
KFC CEO Mr. Clement Tulezi total that , “ We like about the the great unwashed we work with . The slashed flowers sub - sphere ’s emergence is hinged on the singular skills and dedication of our prole . We are determined to keep the skills after the crisis . We are committed to remaining a key player in origination of job opportunities for local people . Currently , we engage over 150,000 Kenyans right away and a further 500,000 from those who supply good and service . ”
“ It is on the footing of the need to stick out our front line of defense and encourage them while also protecting over 4 million livelihood that this campaign was born . ” KEPSA ’S CEO Carole Karuga add .
The campaign started on thirtieth March 2020 in Nairobi with the distribution of blossom in Kenyatta National Hospital , Mbagathi Hospital , Pumwani Maternity Hospital , Mama Lucy hospital , Mathare hospital and Spinal Injury infirmary . It will then continue in other parts of the country in the coming days .
Kenyans and other citizen get involve by posting a picture of themselves with a rose with the hunting expedition hashtag and a personalized subject matter .
For more data : KEPSA+254 202 730 371[email protected]kepsa.or.ke
