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	FAQs on Kenya’s Floricultural Exports
	11. Where, how big, how developed is Kenya? A republic since 1963, Kenya has a land area of 569,259 square kilometres (about as big as Germany), straddles the equator and is on the eastern seaboard of Africa. The Great Rift Valley with its lakes and volcanoes bisects the country north to south. The capital City is Nairobi and has a major port in Mombasa. The population is 36 million with GDP per capita of $514 (€367). 12. Impact of post-election crisis 2008 on the industry? The flower sector like most other industries in Kenya, has experienced major challenges during this difficult time for the country. Fracas following announcement of polls elections caught growers totally unawares. From estimates on the ground the, the impact of some 5-7 days of interrupted business as a result of blockaded roads and threats of violence to drivers led to an estimated loss of approximately Ksh 1 billion. Affected areas included Eldoret, Kericho, Mt. Elgon, Kitale and Molo. However, on farm production continued throught the country, even in the mentioned areas, without too much disruption until the period of 27th – 30th January, when trouble erupted in Naivasha. Workers going to work were attacked by rowdy youths, in the name of avenging violence meted on certain tribes in parts of the country. Fortunately, the situation has returned to near normal with 80- 90% staff reporting to work during normal hours. Most of affected farms were where workers are not housed by companies, in which case management provided ample security. Overall the situation is now calm, following dialogue between the communities’ workers and local administration. Some farms also decided to partner with the Red Cross to put up camps, where any of the employees will be able to receive necessary support, should they or their families feel insecure where they normally live. v Against this development, Growers held a meeting on the 9th February, basically to take stock of the situation, share experiences and collectively strategise, to ensure that obligations to the markets will be met and that workers were safe. The meeting also provided an opportunity to encourage one another and to draw strengths from areas that experienced no problems whatsoever, but never the less needed to be a part of the industry fraternity.
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