Plantlab Kenya expands propagation capacity with new multi-zone greenhouse complex

Plantlab Kenya, a propagation company in Naivasha, supplies young plants for the flower and vegetable sectors in East Africa. Interplant Kenya began planning a new propagation facility in 2024.

© Richel Greenhouses

© Richel Greenhouses

Production targets
Richel Group was asked to design a structure. A project team was formed to meet these goals. According to Nima Djelveh, area sales and project manager for East Africa, the main challenge was combining multiple greenhouse types into one installation while keeping the technical specifications consistent across the site.

The facility includes a 2,700 m² technical area with independent workspaces. The propagation zone consists of four compartments of 1,800 m². The 5,500 m² hardening zone includes fixed roof vents for acclimatization.

© Richel Greenhouses

© Richel Greenhouses

A rootstock greenhouse was added to secure grafting material. Richel developed a new model for this structure, featuring gables every 9.60 m and posts every 4.5 m, with a gutter height of 4.50 m.

"Since the launch of the project, more than a hundred people have been recruited to work at Plantlab. Our ambition is to double the numbers. The greenhouse has been in production for a few months, and orders are coming in", says James Farquharson.

© Richel Greenhouses

Richel Group notes the involvement of partners during construction. "We are very proud to collaborate with the Plantlab team. The teams have put their huge experience and network to create an operational team for this project," says Nima.

"They challenged us to give the best that Richel can do. We are also very thankful to Bilu Vadera from Irrico, our partner for 30 years. His experience on the field was one of the key points. He has performed to meet the delivery schedule. And of course a wink to Olivier D'Eaubonne, who, after 35 years at Richel proves that he is still sharp. And thanks to the work of Richel's engineers that this complex could be proposed, and to the vision of a team who believed in Richel Group's ability to rise to the challenge."