Kenya is the world’s fourth-largest exporter of cut flowers, supplying convincingly 40% of Europe’s floral demand. Yet, this flourishing floriculture industry faces weighty barriers that could downturn its long-term prospects. The cost of electricity in Kenya is among the highest in Africa, averaging $0.22 per kWh for industrial consumers, according to Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) data. Frequent blackouts also disrupt operations, forcing farms to rely on costly diesel generators. Besides, as global consumers become increasingly concerned about the environment, there is an increasing demand for flowers that are not only garden-fresh but also sustainably farmed.
The cumulative effects of these newer realities mean that farms must rethink their energy strategies.
Kenya’s Floriculture Industry: Challenges and Opportunities
In the lush Kenyan fields, where the world’s most exquisite roses, peonies, and lilies bloom, flower farms are at a crossroads. While these farms are just now starting to adopt the idea, other countries have boldly integrated solar energy into their agricultural sectors, offering valuable insights into Kenya’s floriculture industry — a strong pillar of the national economy. According to data from the Kenya Flower Council, the industry makes up about 1.3% of Kenya’s total GDP. Just about 200,000 tonnes of flowers, with an annual export value of $900 million, are produced on an estimated 5,000 hectares dedicated to flower production.
African flower exports increased as a result of an energy crisis in the 1970s that shot up the cost of heating greenhouses in northern countries. As a result, production moved south, where producing flowers all year round with less energy was possible. As US customers increased their trade with Latin America, they increasingly imported flowers from Israel, Morocco, and, of interest, East Africa (Kenya and Ethiopia) into Europe.
As a result, Kenya is a particularly important rose supplier today, accounting for one-third of all roses sold in the EU, according to Union Fleurs. Cut flowers are currently Kenya’s second-largest export after tea, accounting for 1% of the country’s GDP. The flower industry employs about 150,000 people directly and an estimated 2 million indirectly, making it one of the largest employers in the country.
Changing with the Times
One of the key themes that Kenyan producers are capitalizing on is the rising demand for commodities, including cut flowers, sourced responsibly and ethically. As the world becomes increasingly concerned about the environment globally, there is an increasing demand for flowers that are not only fragrant but also responsibly farmed.
During the 11th International Floriculture Trade Exhibition (IFTEX 2024) in Nairobi, Dr. Idris Dokota, Kenya’s Principal Secretary, State Department of Cabinet Affairs, stated: “The flower business is expanding rapidly. But climate change is the largest obstacle, particularly in Kenya.”
Van Ramsdens, the CEO of HPP International Exhibition Group, added that “Kenya has taken a great step to eliminate plastic bags, which we expect to have a positive impact going forward. Climate change is a real issue.”
In the same vein, Stephen Adwong’a, Miale Solar’s chief executive, claims that sustainability is no longer merely a fad but is now expected in virtually every sector. Maria Njeri, Director of Bloom Kenya Farms, agrees and reiterates that “consumers want to know that their flowers are grown sustainably and they are looking for transparency in their purchases.”
“In response, we have implemented environmentally friendly practices like lowering carbon emissions, recycling water, and using organic fertilizer,” she said.
Besides employing rainwater collection technologies to cut down on water use, flower firms use solar energy to power greenhouses. This commitment has not only reduced their environmental effect but also garnered flower farms that are leading in the solar energy uptake such as Shalimar Fresh, Van den berg Roses and Solai Flower Farm numerous eco-conscious clients in Europe and beyond.
How Flower Farms in Kenya Are Turning to Solar
More and more flower farms are making bold moves toward sustainable energy in Kenya. A 421 kWp grid-tie solar PV facility was installed by Van Den Berg Roses, one of Kenya’s most prestigious flower farms, in partnership with Miale Solar. The farm’s activities are now powered by this facility. It also drastically reduces electricity expenses and lessens the farm’s dependency on the national grid.
Shalimar Fresh Mwanzi Farm, which implemented a 150 kWp solar solution, is another exceptional example. These initiatives demonstrate how solar energy may revolutionize flower farms and demonstrate that renewable energy sources can satisfy the high energy requirements of greenhouses, cooling units, and irrigation systems.
The Global Shift to Solar in Flower Farming
Even though Kenya’s floriculture sector is growing, key players like Ethiopia and South Africa are adopting renewable energy at a faster rate. To address the country’s power crisis, South Africa’s agriculture industry has made significant investments in solar energy. The 2 MW solar plant situated at the Western Cape’s Elandsfontein agricultural estate serves as a striking case study. This plant reduces operating expenses by almost 40% by powering cooling units, packaging facilities, and irrigation systems.
Through tax breaks and incentives like the Section 12B tax allowance, which enables companies to write off the whole cost of solar installations in the first year, the South African government has encouraged the adoption of solar energy. Large-scale farms in South Africa have also benefited from financing initiatives that provide loans with lower interest rates.
The Netherlands, the world leader in floriculture, has embraced renewable energy on a grand scale. Farms like Ter Laak Orchids have installed solar PV systems exceeding 1 MWp, alongside innovative technologies such as geothermal heating and LED lighting. These farms not only reduce energy costs but also enhance productivity by creating controlled environments for their flowers. The Dutch government supports renewable energy through subsidies like the SDE+ scheme, which helps offset the initial cost of solar installations. This has allowed Dutch flower farms to remain globally competitive while reducing their environmental footprint.
Ethiopia, Africa’s second-largest flower exporter, is another leader in renewable energy adoption. The Sher Flower Farm, one of the largest floriculture exporters in the world, uses a hybrid solar-diesel system to ensure consistent energy supply for irrigation and cooling systems. This has allowed the farm to meet international sustainability standards, a critical requirement for European markets. The Ethiopian government’s Renewable Energy Program offers subsidies and support to businesses willing to invest in solar energy, further accelerating the transition. This proactive approach has bolstered Ethiopia’s reputation as a sustainable exporter of flowers.
An industry-leading flower exporter in Ecuador also made an investment in a 500 kWp solar plant, proving that renewable energy can save costs and provide consistent power supply even in remote locations.
Why Solar Power is the Future for Kenya’s Flower Farms
Adwong’a explained, “Electricity costs in Kenya are among the highest in Africa, with rates that can severely impact profitability. At Miale, we offer a cost-effective alternative.”
Solar power offers a cost-effective alternative, reducing energy expenses by up to 60%. These savings can be reinvested into expanding operations or improving flower quality, giving Kenyan farms a competitive edge.
Adwong’a also brought in the issue of energy reliability, stating that frequent power outages and grid instability are common in Kenya, disrupting operations and increasing reliance on costly diesel generators. He proffered that solar energy provides a reliable daytime power source, particularly during peak sunlight hours when irrigation and cooling systems are most active.
“This ensures uninterrupted operations, a critical factor for the highly time-sensitive floriculture industry,’ he said.
Another critical issue that flower farms will have to look at is the consumer trend. Global consumers increasingly demand proof of sustainable practices, including reduced carbon emissions. Solar power allows farms to lower their environmental footprint significantly. For instance, Van Den Berg Roses’ solar PV system annually reduces carbon emissions by 253,365 kgCO2e.
Adwong’a explained that by adopting solar, Kenyan flower farms can meet global sustainability standards and appeal to environmentally conscious buyers.
While Kenya’s renewable energy policies lag behind countries like South Africa and Ethiopia, there are signs of progress. The government’s Solar PV Regulations and recent tax exemptions on renewable energy equipment are steps in the right direction. Industry trailblazers like Miale Solar also offer flexible financing options, including Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and lease agreements, making solar installations more accessible to flower farms.
The floriculture industry is highly competitive, with buyers favoring suppliers who demonstrate efficiency and sustainability. By adopting solar power, Kenyan flower farms can reduce operational costs and align with international market demands.
“At Miale Solar, we are committed to helping flower farms thrive in a competitive global market. With our tailored solar solutions, we ensure that your farm not only reduces costs but also meets sustainability goals,” Adwong’a concluded.
Ready to take the first step toward a brighter, greener future? Contact Miale Solar today and let us power your farm with the sun.