Nairobi is currently hosting the 13th International Flower Trade Exhibition (IFTEX 2026), solidifying Kenya's position as a leading global floriculture exporter. The event, themed “Shaping the Future of Floriculture,” has drawn 210 exhibitors and numerous buyers from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
Kenya’s floriculture sector has become a significant economic driver, making the country Africa's largest flower exporter and the foremost exporter of rose cut flowers to the European Union. Globally, Kenya ranks as the third-largest exporter of cut flowers.
The industry generates approximately $850 million (KES 110 billion) in annual export earnings, directly employing over 200,000 individuals and supporting millions of livelihoods, with a notable impact on women and young people. Kenyan flowers reach major markets across Europe, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, and Asia rapidly after harvesting.
Kenya’s floriculture industry is also recognized for its sustainable production practices, which include significant investments in renewable energy, water conservation, traceability systems, and adherence to international environmental standards.
When many people think about flowers, they think about beauty, colour and celebration. Yet for us as Kenyans, flowers represent something much deeper. They represent jobs and livelihoods, enterprise and innovation, foreign exchange earnings, community development, women empowerment and economic opportunity,
said Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry Lee Kinyanjui during the exhibition's opening. He further noted the sector's role in women's economic empowerment, stating:
More than half of the workforce in Kenya’s flower farms are women. In many parts of our country,floriculture has become a powerful vehicle for economic empowerment, helping families access education, healthcare, housing and improved standards of living.
Despite challenges such as rising freight costs, regulatory pressures, and global economic uncertainty, the government is committed to improving the business environment. This includes efforts to enhance logistics infrastructure, expedite VAT refunds, and expand market access.
Kinyanjui articulated the government’s objective to maintain Kenya’s competitiveness in floriculture investment and trade, pledging continued engagement with relevant institutions to streamline regulations and reduce compliance costs.