Since the easing of lockdown restrictions, consumer sales have started to recover, but the industry has faced challenges such as increased prices and supply chain issues. The pandemic has also driven changes in the floral industry, with companies working together to alleviate supply chain problems and many businesses upgrading technology

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on Kenya's flower export industry, which is one of the country's key economic sectors. Here are some of the ways in which the pandemic affected the flower export industry in Kenya:

1. Disruption of Supply Chains: Restrictions on international travel and lockdown measures in various countries disrupted global supply chains. This led to logistical challenges in transporting flowers from Kenya to export markets, resulting in delays and increased transportation costs.
2. Reduced Demand: Many countries imposed lockdowns and restrictions on gatherings, which resulted in a decline in demand for flowers, particularly for events such as weddings, parties, and corporate events. This drop in demand led to a surplus of flowers in Kenya and decreased export volumes.
3. Market Closures and Cancellations: Flower auctions, trade fairs, and other marketing events were canceled or postponed due to the pandemic. These events are crucial for connecting flower growers with international buyers, and their cancellation further impacted sales and market access.
4. Financial Losses: The combination of reduced demand and increased operational costs (due to health and safety measures) resulted in financial losses for flower farms and exporters. Many businesses struggled to cover fixed costs such as wages and loan repayments, leading to layoffs and reduced incomes for workers.
5. Labor Shortages and Health Risks: Flower farms faced challenges related to labor shortages as workers were unable to travel to farms due to lockdown measures or health concerns. Farms also implemented stringent health and safety protocols to protect workers from COVID-19, adding to operational costs.
6. Government Support and Adaptation: The Kenyan government and industry stakeholders worked together to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on the flower export sector. Measures included financial support, promoting local consumption of flowers, and advocating for safe reopening of export markets.

Despite these challenges, the flower export industry in Kenya has shown resilience and adaptability. As global vaccination efforts continue and economies gradually reopen, there is cautious optimism for a recovery in demand and export volumes. However, the long-term effects of the pandemic on consumer behavior and global trade dynamics remain uncertain, emphasizing the need for ongoing support and strategic planning within the industry.