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From Kenya with love: The journey of Kenyan roses to the world

February 14, 2019
By
Collins Ogutu
for Chams Media Digital

DUBAI, (UAE)- This week's The Chamwada Report brings you a special gift to commemorate this year's Valentines Day, a day on which loved ones share special moments. The show focuses on one special commodity that will surely exchange hands on that day and at some point in life. It is the flower.

A common commodity in Kenya, but rare in some countries. While everyone in love shares the red roses, the white flower is equally important.  And so tonight's show gives special focus on the white rose flowers as Alex Chamwada traces the commodity from a farm in Kenya all the way to Dubai. To find out why Kenyan flowers are in high demand in international markets.

"While nothing beats red roses in saying I love you on Valentine’s day, the white rose on the other hand symbolizes purity, chastity and innocence," said William Gwaro - Production Manager, Black Petals Ltd. "White flowers can be used to convey sympathy or humility."

From Kenya with love: The journey of Kenyan roses to the world 1

Kenya is the lead exporter of flowers to the European Union markets. PHOTO| COURTESY

Statistics from the Kenya Flower Council indicate that Kenya's market share in the European Union (EU) stands at 38 per cent thus making her the lead exporter of flowers. Although there is growth in direct sales, 50 per cent of the Kenyan flower exports is still sold through Dutch Auctions.

Further KFC stats indicate that over 500,000 people, including 100,000 flower farm employees depend on the the Kenyan flouriculture industry, making an impact to the lives of more than 2 million people. Kenyan flowers are sold in 60 countries across the world. But it is not all about the red roses for Valentines. The show focuses on the ever popular white roses.

From Kenya with love: The journey of Kenyan roses to the world 2

Chams Media CEO Alex Chamwada traced flowers from a Kenyan farm all the way to a buyer in Dubai. PHOTO| COURTESY

 

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