Kenya earns over KSh 100 billion annually from flower exports, making it one of the world’s leading suppliers of cut flowers. Kenyan roses, lilies, carnations, and alstroemeria are highly valued in Europe, the Middle East, and the United States for their quality and long vase life.

At Delta Cago Connections, we work directly with flower exporters across Naivasha, Thika, Nakuru, and Mt. Kenya regions. This guide is based on real logistics experience to show you exactly how to export flowers from Kenya without delays.

About the Author

By Delta Cago Connections Export Team
Licensed Clearing Agents | Cold Chain Specialists | 15+ Years Experience

We have successfully handled hundreds of flower shipments to Europe, UAE, and North America.

Understanding the Flower Export Market

Kenya is among the top four global exporters of cut flowers. Key markets include:

• Netherlands

• United Kingdom

• Germany

• United Arab Emirates

• United States

The Dutch Flower Auction (Aalsmeer) remains the largest distribution hub, but many Kenyan farms now sell directly to supermarkets and wholesalers, increasing profit margins.

Current Demand Trends (2026)

• 1. Netherlands: A major hub, often for re-export, but also a significant direct market, United Kingdom: A crucial market, with significant direct sales to supermarkets.
  2. Germany: A key European destination alongside the Netherlands and UK.
  3. United Arab Emirates (UAE): A strong, growing market in the Middle East.
  4. Kazakhstan: An increasingly important, fast-growing market for Kenyan flowers,Higher demand during:

Roses dominate exports, accounting for over 70% of shipments.

Key High-Demand Periods

• • Valentine’s Day

  • Mother’s Day

  • Christmas

Step-by-Step Process to Export Flowers from Kenya

Step 1: Register as an exporter

You must:

✔ Register your business
✔ Register with Horticultural Crops Directorate (HCD)
✔ Obtain export license from KRA

Step 2: Get Mandatory Certifications

---

Step 3: Prepare Export Documents

You need:

✔ Commercial invoice
✔ Packing list
✔  Airway bill

👉 Delta Cago Connections handles all paperwork.

Step 4: Harvest & Grade Flowers

Grading criteria:

• Stem length (40cm – 80cm)

• Flower head size

• Uniformity

• Strength

Only export-grade flowers are packed.

Step 5: Post-Harvest Handling

✔ Immediate cooling
✔ Hydration treatment
✔ Storage at 2°C – 5°C
✔ Gentle handling

This preserves vase life.

Step 6: Packaging

Use:

• Ventilated export boxes

• Protective sleeves

• Bundles (10–25 stems)

• Proper labeling

Step 7: Transport & Cold Chain

Flowers move via:

• Refrigerated trucks

• Cold rooms at JKIA

• Priority cargo loading

The cold chain must never break.

Step 8: Choose Shipping Method

Air Freight (Recommended)

• Delivery in under 24 hours

• Best for freshness

Sea Freight (Experimental)

• 20–30 days

• Cheaper

• Higher risk

Key Export Hubs

---

Market Entry Strategies

1. Dutch Flower Auction

✔ Access many buyers
✔ Transparent pricing

2. Direct Supermarket Sales

✔ Higher margins
✔ Long-term contracts

3. International Distributors

✔ Easy market entry
✔ Handles logistics

4. Online Flower Sales

✔ E-commerce platforms
✔ Premium flowers

Common Export Challenges & Solutions

---

Case Study: AAA Growers

AAA Growers started as a small farm and became a global exporter.

Success Factors

✔ Global certifications
✔ Strong cold chain
✔ Multiple markets
✔ Sustainable farming
✔ Airline partnerships

Lessons for New Exporters

• Certifications increase trust

• Diversification reduces risk

• Cold chain is critical

• Sustainability attracts buyers

How Delta Cago Connections Helps

We offer:

Clearing & forwarding
Export documentation and regulations
Cold chain management
Air freight shipping
Quality control and compliance

Results:
✔ Faster clearance
✔ Zero spoilage
✔ No hidden fees

Frequently Asked Questions

What documents do I need?

Phytosanitary certificate, invoice, packing list, airway bill.

Best transport method?

Air freight.

How long does export take?

24–72 hours.

How do I find buyers?

Auctions, distributors, direct sales.

Conclusion

Exporting flowers from Kenya is profitable if done right.

To succeed:

✔ Follow regulations
✔ Maintain cold chain
✔ Choose reliable logistics partner
✔ Target the right markets

Delta Cago Connections ensures smooth, stress-free flower exports.

Ready to Export Flowers?

 Call: +254 722718358
📧 info@deltacargoconnections.com
Learn More: Horticulture Exports

From farm to global markets – we handle it all.