Kenya to meet flower export targets despite unrest
Updated: 2008-02-13 16:20
Thousands of workers camped out of the Naivasha Prison and Karagita Police Station amid gangs ransacking the town from January 27 to January 30. Some workers are still afraid to return to work whilst others are being accommodated on farms.
"More than 80 percent of workers in affected farms are now back to work, thanks to the government's intervention to contain the insecurity. The Kenya Red Cross Society has also set up a properly supported camp site for the workers," the CEO added.
The Kenya government, on the other hand, allows flower farmers from the North Rift to use the Eldoret International Airport from last week, for the sake of meeting the demands of international markets.
"It has been a tremendous impetus to the industry," Ngige said, "with tourism hard hit by the violence, the flower industry remains one of the most important foreign exchange earners in the country."
"We are hoping that the government is aware of the importance of the industry and will do its best to protect the sector," said Sondhi.
The flower industry in Kenya, which ranks second in terms of foreign exchange earnings following tourism, has a time-tested glorious tradition, thanks to the ideal climatic weather conditions all year long. The flowers produced in the country have been recognized for their high quality and stable supply.
"For now at least, lovers both in Europe and Kenya will be able to exchange roses and children will have something to present to their mothers on Mother's Day," Ngige, mother of a teenager daughter, told reporters.
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