Social performance

The Kenyan flower sector faces a number of challenges. Social costs included in this study include harassment, occupational health and safety risks, wages and social security, gender discrimination, water use, freedom of association and overtime. Water use is also included due to its potential social impacts on local communities. This figure is a representative of the Kenyan flower sector. Results are based on primary and secondary data collected on the Kenyan flower sector.

The graph shows human rights challenges quantified as social costs in euros per rose, using the True Price method. This figure is a representation of the social performance of the Kenyan flower sector. Results are based on publicly available sources and data collected in collaboration with management and workers of two rose farms.

Kenya plays a significant role in the global rose market. Despite a large export volume by the Netherlands, most of the roses are first imported from Kenya, accounting for 71% of its total exports. (Source: Royal Flora Holland)

Map of flower farms in Kenya

Around half of the production is sold through Dutch actions, but Kenya flowers are exported to more than 60 countries. The countries include: Australia, the EU, and Russia. Kenyan exports constitute 38% of the European Union’s flower imports. (Source: Kenya Flower Council)