Floriday workshops in Kenya show growers how to work smarter

KENYA – Floriday, a digital platform that connects growers and buyers in the floriculture industry, has intensified its presence in Kenya by running a series of physical workshops designed to help growers use technology more effectively in their daily operations.

In recent weeks, growers from different regions attended the workshops. In Nanyuki, 16 participants from nine farms joined, while in Naivasha, 37 participants representing 25 farms took part.

The sessions aimed to show how Floriday can help growers work faster and more clearly while creating stronger connections with buyers.

The responses were encouraging. Kennedy Kiarie, Customer Account Manager at Marginpar Kenya, said, “When we use the platform to its full potential, it enables us to serve more customers and work more efficiently.”

Sonia Kemei, Sales and Marketing Manager at Flora Ola Ltd, added, “Floriday is user-friendly and efficiently connects growers and buyers.” Many participants expressed that they wanted to put the knowledge gained into their sales strategies right away.

The workshops went beyond system demonstrations. Growers received guidance on setting delivery terms, creating price groups, and keeping a clearer overview of their orders.

Trainers also showed how to publish offers in different ways, including long-term contracts with buyers. Communication improvements through Floriday Messenger were also highlighted.

Another focus area was international trade. Growers learned about recent updates such as support for the US dollar and the use of order requests.

After the sessions, participants rated their confidence at an average of 8 or 9 out of 10, showing that they left with practical skills to improve their operations.

Floriday’s presence in Kenya reflects a broader effort to strengthen its role as an international digital platform for the floriculture industry. For Kenyan growers, this means greater access to customers outside Europe, including markets in the Middle East.

By connecting growers and buyers globally, the platform aims to create a central marketplace that expands opportunities for farms while giving buyers reliable access to a wider range of flowers and plants.

Solar energy brings fresh momentum

These workshops come as another development unfolds in the Kenya-Europe flower trade. Germany, one of the top buyers of cut flowers worldwide, has stepped up its support for sustainable production in Kenya.

One in five roses sold in Germany comes from Kenyan farms, making the trade vital for both sides.

Through the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs’ Energy Export Initiative, Simbi Roses partnered with Ecoligo, a German crowdfunding investment platform, to install a solar plant.

The farm, based northeast of Nairobi, had long faced high electricity bills and frequent power outages that disrupted watering and cooling operations.

By switching to solar energy under a leasing arrangement, Simbi Roses now runs on a cleaner and cheaper system, cutting costs and reducing reliance on diesel generators.

This step shows how international cooperation is supporting Kenya’s flower sector not only through technology for sales and trade but also through sustainable energy solutions.

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