Redlands Roses Makes History as Kenya's First Floriculture Special Economic Zone

"SEZ made it very easy for us to attract foreign direct investment. We've been able to invest seven and a half million euros to expand 16 hectares of greenhouses. And we were able to buy the very best technology, both in terms of the greenhouses and in terms of setting up the hydroponic facilities."

"SEZ enabled us to borrow the money, so attract the foreign direct investment and spend on this expensive technology to give us an edge in planting more environmentally sustainably. And the second reason is that when you grow hydroponically, you basically are able to use 50% less water. And you're also able to recycle all the nutrients that the plants doesn't uptake, rather than those nutrients leaching into the underground waterway."

"With Redlands Roses we're growing high quality premium roses that are eventually being used by florists and wedding planners to make beautiful creations. So it's a high value target segment. And that means that if we can earn our money from this high value segment, then we can transfer more of that value to our employees."

"So we want to transfer value to these artisans. And as we earn higher prices, as the years go on, we'll be able to keep that wage model and transfer that value also to our employees. The second thing is, as part, you know, being part of the collective bargaining agreement signed with the KAPAWU, you know, we have already committed ourselves to increasing wages every year. And we at Redlands Roses strive to go over and above this with other benefits, which we'll continue to review and extend for the benefit of our employees."

"Today we have 16 hectares of additional greenhouses. We're producing high-end premium luxury spray roses. And we continue to channel these to our customers where the demand was unfulfilled. So yes, I would say that rather than that demand being captured by the likes of Ecuadorian growers or Ethiopian growers, we are able to now capture that."

"Red Lance Roses is known for the quality of roses that it produces. So SEZ facilitated the expansion. And with that expansion, we're able to fulfill much more of the existing customer demand. Beyond that, we've also explored into new geographies like the US."

"On behalf of Kenya Flower Council, I wish to extend our honest congratulations to Redlands Roses on their historic achievement, the official inauguration of Redlands Roses. This milestone is not just a celebration for this company. It is a defining moment for Kenya's entire floriculture industry. By securing Special Economic Zone status, Redlands Roses has demonstrated visionary leadership and bold commitment to modernization, competitiveness and sustainability."

"The establishment of a flower enterprise within the Special Economic Zone, is a powerful signal. It represents a new frontier in agribusiness modernization. It opens up opportunities for increased efficiency, reduced operational cost, and stronger compliance with global standards, but more importantly, it sets a new benchmark for sustainability, a model that embraces clean energy, responsible water use and fair labor practices."

"The investments also means more jobs, more people, more value addition locally, and greater participation of women and youth across the flower value chain. It is a blueprint for inclusive future-ready growth."

"Ladies and gentlemen, special economic zones have immense potential to transform Kenya's export landscape, when properly structured and supported, they can enhance our global competitiveness, attract new investment and stimulate value addition within our borders. For floriculture, SEZ present a pathway to diversified production, improved logistics and increased foreign exchange earnings."

"They also create an enabling environment where innovation can flourish, from eco-friendly packaging and cold chain technology to carbon neutral operations and circular economy models."

"As the voice of Kenya's flower industry, the Kenya Flower Council reaffirms its stronger partnership with the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, the Kenya Revenue Authority and the Special Economic Zone Authority. Today, we are working to ensure that the SEZ framework cannot only benefit pioneering enterprises like Redlands Roses SEZ PLC, but also provide a replicable model for other growers and exporters."

"KFC continues to advocate for predictable policy, efficient regulation and investment incentives that can strengthen our sector's competitiveness while promoting responsible business practices."

"As we stand here today, celebrating this landmark achievement, we look to the future with confidence and pride. Kenya's flower industry is not only blooming, it is evolving. We are defining excellence through innovation, sustainability and value addition. With leadership from companies like Redlands Roses SEZ PLC, the support of government institutions and continued collaboration through platforms like ourselves, Kenya's Flower Council, we are certain that Kenya will continue to shine as the global hub of premium sustainable flowers."

"To the management and staff of Redlands Roses SEZ PLC, congratulations. Once again, we have made history, and we are proud that we are Kenyan."