Kenya's flowers reach shelves in Midde East, Europe, and beyond, but the pesticide containers left behind on the farms that grow them have long been a stubborn environmental challenge. A new partnership aims to alter that.
aak-GROW, a business membership entity promoting responsible use of pest control products, and the Kenya Flower Council (KFC), which represents the country's floriculture industry, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). It commits the two bodies to stronger environmental sustainability, product stewardship, and hazardous waste management across the flower sector.
The partnership focuses on what occurs to pesticide products after they have been used. A large number of empty containers come out of flower farms, and the two entities plan to build a system to handle them. That incorporates designated collection centres and collection clusters, better collection and transport system, as well as easier access to licensed treatment facilities and waste handlers.
The agreement also supports compliance with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) obligations, which make producers to effectively manage end-of-life aspects of their products. Farms will be encouraged to take part in approved collection schemes coordinated through the Hazardous Waste Producer Responsibility Organisation of Kenya (HAPROK).
For aak-GROW Chief Executive Joel Mutai, the aim is to look beyond the product itself.
"Responsible pest management is not only about the product used, but also about how it is selected, handled, stored and ultimately managed after use," Mutai said adding that “the partnership offers us an opportunity to strengthen stewardship across the floriculture value chain and support practical solutions for farmers."
The MoU goes beyond infrastructure. Awareness programs, joint training, technical workshops and industry outreach will establish the capacity of flower farms as well as other stakeholders on environmental management and stewardship. The partnership will also include initiatives aimed at smallholder flower growers.
KFC will mobilise its members and promote responsible pesticide use, sound waste management and environmental sustainability.
A KFC representative said the industry sees the partnership as part of a wider commitment. "Kenya's floriculture industry is committed to continuous improvement in sustainability and responsible production," the representative said, adding that working with aak-GROW "will help us strengthen the capacity of our members" and support farms in meeting their environmental and stewardship responsibilities.
The MoU runs for an initial three years. A Joint Coordination Committee will oversee delivery, monitor progress, and set yearly work plans. The arrangement also offers a framework for further technical work and cooperation, resource mobilization and advocacy.
