The 2025 International Flower Trade Expo (IFTEX) has officially commenced in Nairobi, bringing together a diverse range of industry stakeholders, including international growers, exporters, buyers, investors, regulators, trade partners, and government officials. The event serves as a platform to discuss and shape the future of the global flower trade.

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

The opening ceremony provided extensive media opportunities, industry insights, and direct access to key decision-makers within the floriculture value chain. It featured keynote addresses from prominent government officials and industry leaders, including Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary (CS) Mutahi Kagwe, Investments, Trade, and Industry CS Lee Kinyanjui, Kenya Flower Council CEO Clement Tulezi, and the expo’s founder, Dick Raamsdonk.

In his speech, CS Kagwe extended a warm welcome to international delegates and called for a fundamental shift in logistics and transport policies to enhance the industry’s efficiency and global competitiveness. He criticized monopolistic practices in air freight logistics, which have hindered the sector’s growth.

“We cannot allow the floriculture industry to be constrained by outdated policies. A fresh approach to logistics and regulation is necessary to ensure sustainable growth,” Kagwe emphasized, advocating for government-industry collaboration to create a more supportive export framework.

Kagwe also highlighted external challenges, particularly evolving European Union (EU) regulations that impact Kenya’s flower exports. He commended local regulatory bodies, including the Kenya Flower Council (KFC) and the Agriculture and Food Authority-Horticultural Crops Directorate (AFA-HCD), for their role in championing Kenyan exporters in international markets.

Kenya Flower Council CEO Clement Tulezi applauded the sector’s resilience, noting that it provides over 200,000 direct jobs and exports flowers to Europe, Asia, and North America.
“Kenyan flowers are known for their superior quality and reliability, thanks to the efforts of growers, exporters, and policymakers,” Tulezi stated.

Meanwhile, Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) Managing Director Prof. Theophilus Mutui addressed ongoing regulatory reforms aimed at aligning Kenya with new international phytosanitary standards. He outlined recent challenges, including the EU’s updated phytosanitary measures, which took effect on April 26, 2025, requiring enhanced surveillance, traceability, and compliance from Kenyan exporters.

“We are integrating AI into pest identification and implementing ePhyto solutions to streamline traceability and improve efficiency,” Mutui explained, adding that KEPHIS is also facilitating the industry’s transition from air to sea freight to support sustainability objectives.

In a speech delivered by Josiah Syanda, KEPHIS operations lead at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Mutui highlighted the agency’s commitment to climate-resilient export systems, enhanced cold chain verification, and improved post-harvest treatment protocols to accommodate longer transit times.
With global demand for sustainably produced flowers on the rise, IFTEX 2025 showcases Kenya’s dedication to innovation, digital transformation, and environmentally responsible trade practices.

The expo offers a valuable platform for networking, knowledge-sharing, and forging new business partnerships, potentially driving further growth in Kenya’s $1 billion floriculture industry.

Backed by strong institutional support and a renewed focus on competitiveness, Kenya is poised to solidify its leadership in the global flower trade and expand its market influence.