Kenya Flower Council leads call for rail–sea freight shift at Naivasha logistics forum

KENYA – The Naivasha Horticulture Logistics Workshop recently concluded after two days of discussions on how Kenya can expand the use of sea freight for flowers, fruits, and vegetables through reefer rail transport.

The forum, themed “Accelerating Modal Shift in Kenya’s Horticulture Supply Chain: Mobilizing Growers Towards Sea Freight Adoption via Reefer Rail Transport,” was chaired by Clement Tulezi, CEO of the Kenya Flower Council (KFC) and Chair of the Logistics Working Group.

Tulezi emphasized that Kenya’s horticulture sector must strengthen logistics to remain globally competitive.

“This is about more than air versus sea freight,” Tulezi told participants. “We must guarantee that our flowers, fruits, and vegetables reach global markets on time, in perfect condition, and at costs that keep Kenyan growers competitive.”

Calls for coordination and technology

Supported by TradeMark Africa through the EU-funded BEEEP programme and Kenya Railways, the workshop brought together growers, exporters, logistics providers, regulators, and development partners.

Key associations included the Fresh Produce Exporters Association of Kenya and the Fresh Produce Consortium of Kenya, alongside agencies such as KEPHIS, KRA, KPA, and the Horticultural Crops Directorate.

Delegates stressed the need for stronger coordination between the private sector and government to expand rail–sea freight, streamline customs, and lower costs. Exporters cited high freight charges, repeated checkpoints, and inefficiencies as major challenges.

Growers called for 24-hour services at the Naivasha Inland Container Depot, scanners dedicated to perishables, and simpler compliance procedures.

Technology featured strongly in the talks, with participants calling for barcode systems, data integration, and clear standard operating procedures. “We cannot afford fragmented systems anymore. Integration is the only way forward,” one exporter said.

From dialogue to demonstration

The second day of the workshop included a visit to a flower farm to observe post-harvest processes and a tour of reefer rail operations at the Naivasha ICD.

The field sessions gave participants a first-hand look at how cold chain systems can support exports through sea freight.

Companies such as CMA CGM, De Ruiter Innovations East Africa, Nini, Marginpar, The Flower Hub, Kuehne+Nagel, Royal FloraHolland, and Black Tulip Flowers were among those represented.

New market prospects

The conclusion of the workshop follows recent talks between KFC and the Kenyan Embassy in Saudi Arabia on establishing a direct export route for flowers into the kingdom.

At present, most flowers reach Saudi buyers through Europe or small intermediaries, which limits volumes and brand visibility.

“Saudi Arabia presents a strong opportunity for our industry,” Tulezi said after meeting Kenyan Ambassador Mohamed Ruwange on August 14.

“Their Vision 2030 strategy is opening up tourism, events, and hospitality. These are all sectors that require premium flowers, and Kenyan growers are well placed to supply them.”

Ambassador Ruwange confirmed the embassy’s readiness to support the plan. “We are keen to work with KFC to promote Kenyan flowers, create market visibility, and build trust with Saudi buyers,” he said.

Industry leaders now expect the outcomes of the Naivasha forum to guide logistics policy and strengthen market access for Kenya’s horticulture sector.

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