The Association hosted its 2021 Employers' Annual Conference at Lake Naivasha Resort whereby the CS Labour and Social Protection was the Chief Guest. the conference whose theme: MANAGING PERFORMANCE AND ENHANCING PRODUCTIVITY IN A CHANGING WORK ENVIRONMENT Reset, Refocus, Re-center saw more than 40 professionals drawn from various sectors and companies attend.

During his speech CS indicated that the government continues to put in place measures to ensure that growth and development of all sectors is sustainable, socially responsible and creates decent work opportunities.

Russia is a key market for Kenya flowers. Association's CEO Mr. Wesley Siele, a team from Red Lands Roses led by General Manager Dr. Isabelle Spindler  are on a tour in Russia to familiarize with the flower market, understand the challenges therein for Kenya flower growers, interact with key buyers and understand their expectations as well as discuss with relevant authorities ways to make Kenya flowers more marketable.

Among the challenges faced are the fact that there are no direct clearing of flowers in Moscow hence importers are forced to go through Netherlands raising costs,  Artificial flowers from China beginning to take market share in Moscow and  Flowers from Equador/Colombia arriving in Moscow are much cheaper than Kenyan.

During the visit the team also paid a courtesy call on Kenya ambassador to Russian Federation H.E Ben Ogutu.

The team discussed on areas the ambassador can assist Kenyan growers to ensure more market share, ease of cargo movement through direct freights, promotional activities to create more awareness, and influence discussion on high cost of production that make Kenya products uncompetitive.