NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 27 – Flamingo Horticulture Kenya is reinvesting VAT refunds to expand its Naivasha operations, a move expected to increase export capacity, create 2,000 new jobs and deepen value addition in Kenya’s horticulture sector.
The company, a subsidiary of Flamingo Group International, said the expansion will focus on scaling up production of Fairtrade-accredited bouquets for export to the UK and European markets.
Flamingo currently exports more than 750 million flower stems annually and employs about 12,000 workers, while supporting over 6,000 supply chain partners and outgrowers.
The reinvestment marks a shift towards source-packed bouquet production, allowing more processing to be done locally and reducing reliance on European auction houses. By retaining more of the value chain in Kenya, the company aims to improve margins while strengthening the country’s position as a regional agribusiness export hub.
The expansion plans were first announced in July 2025 during the Kenya Investment Forum in the United Kingdom, attended by President William Ruto.
The project will be implemented at Flamingo’s 1,630-hectare footprint in Naivasha and will include upgrades to infrastructure, expanded packhouse capacity and deployment of climate-smart technologies such as water-efficiency systems and integrated pest management.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said the reinvestment reflects growing confidence in Kenya’s horticulture sector and its ability to support large-scale, export-oriented agribusiness. He noted that increased local processing is critical to job creation and long-term sector sustainability.
The Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry said the project aligns with government efforts to increase value addition and reduce the cost of exporting.
Once completed, the expansion is expected to strengthen Kenya’s competitiveness in global flower markets, increase employment in Naivasha and surrounding areas, and support the country’s broader push towards export-led growth driven by value-added agriculture.
