Kenya: Early rainy season decreases production

The rainy season in Kenya seems to have started about a month earlier than usual. Over the last two weeks it has been raining and decreases the production of the flowers and vegetables. The production was even so low that the flights could not leave as they were not completely full. This is explained by Richard Kneppers of Kneppers Roses, a Dutchman who grows roses on 42ha in Naivasha. Also at their farm, Maridadi Flower, the production was low, about 30-40 percent.

Last Saturday, March 17 the rainfall was quite extreme and Kneppers posted this video on the company's Facebook page, with the headline. "For everyone who is wondering why the production is so low".

Click here to see the video

Fortunately, the prices were a lot higher over the last two weeks. "I do not have a exact percentage, but they were significantly higher than usual during this time of the year", he says. Kneppers sells his flowers both to the auction and direct market.

Currently, it is still raining in Kenya, but a lot less. According to Kneppers, their production is up 10 percent again and the prices decreased. "The prices are at their usual level again. The last week of March and April are always tough for the sales of roses."

Kneppers is looking forward to the end of April and May as celebrations like National Secretary's Day (April 19 in the Netherlands), Saint George (April 23), International Labour Day (May 1) and of course Mother's Day (May 13) that will lift the rose sales in Europe.

For more information:
Kneppers Roses
Richard Kneppers
Email: richard@kneppersrozen.nl
www.kneppersrozen.nl
Facebook: Kneppers Rozen