The 2025 edition of the International Flower Trade Expo (IFTEX) has officially opened in Kenyan capital, Nairobi, bringing together a high-profile gathering of industry stakeholders, including international growers, exporters, buyers, investors, regulators, trade partners and government officials to explore the future of the global flower industry.

This year’s Expo highlighted Kenya’s leadership in sustainable flower production, trade innovation and market expansion.

The opening ceremony, which provided rich media opportunities, industry insights and access to top decision-makers in the floriculture value chain featured keynote addresses from leading government officials and industry leaders, including, Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development Mutahi Kagwe and Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry Lee Kinyanjui, alongside other key figures such as Mr Clement Tulezi of the Kenya Flower Council and Mr Dick Raamsdonk, the expo’s founder.

In his address, cabinet secretary Kagwe warmly welcomed international delegates and called for a paradigm shift in national logistics and transport policies to boost the industry’s capacity and competitiveness.

He criticised monopolistic tendencies, particularly in air freight logistics, that hinder the growth of the floriculture sector.

“We cannot hold the floriculture industry at ransom. We have to allow a change in policy and philosophy so that the end game justifies the means,” said Kagwe, urging for a collaborative government-industry approach to create a more enabling ecosystem for flower exports.

Kagwe also highlighted the external challenges facing the industry, particularly shifting European Union regulations.

Further, the cabinet secretary acknowledged the tireless efforts of local regulatory bodies such as the Kenya Flower Council (KFC) and Agriculture and Food Authority-Horticultural Crops Directorate (AFA-HCD) in advocating for Kenyan exporters in European markets.

On the other hand, Tulezi praised Kenya’s floriculture sector for its resilience and growth, noting that it supports over 200,000 direct jobs and exports to markets across Europe, Asia, and North America.

“Kenyan flowers have become synonymous with quality and reliability,” stated CEO Tulezi, crediting the collective effort of growers, exporters, and policymakers.

Concurrently, Managing Director of the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) Theophilus Mutui underlined the ongoing reforms to align with new international phytosanitary standards.

Prof Mutui outlined recent regulatory challenges, including the EU’s updated phytosanitary measures that took effect on April 26, 2025, that have necessitated tighter surveillance, traceability, and compliance among Kenyan exporters.

“We are piloting AI in pest identification and deploying ePhyto solutions to enhance traceability and reduce turn-around time,” he revealed, adding that KEPHIS was also working to support the industry’s transition from air to sea freight to meet sustainability goals.

In a speech read on his behalf by the officer in-charge of KEPHIS operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Josiah Syanda, the MD said the agency was also focusing on climate-resilient export systems, improving cold chain verification and post-harvest treatment protocols to accommodate longer transit times.

Meanwhile, as the global demand for organically produced flowers continues to rise, this year’s IFTEX showcases Kenya’s commitment to innovation, digital transformation, and environmentally conscious trade practices.

The expo offers participants a platform to network, share knowledge, and forge new trade partnerships that could spur further growth in the $1 billion industry.

With robust institutional support and a renewed focus on competitiveness, Kenya aims to not only maintain but expand its dominance in the global floriculture landscape.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Daniel Kamau