The Agricultural Employers’ Association (AEA) hosted the Principal Secretary, State Department for Labour and Skills Development Hon. Shadrack Mwadime, during his visit to the flower sector in Naivasha.
During the visit, the PS toured and met the management of Olij Propagation Ltd, Van Den Berg Flowers and Shalimar Fresh where he gained first-hand insight into operations within the floriculture value chain and engaged directly with industry stakeholders. The visit provided an important platform to showcase the sector’s contribution to employment, exports and rural livelihoods.
The Association, led by the CEO Mr. Wesley Siele, used the opportunity to discuss key issues affecting the agricultural sector, including:
During the engagement, the Association led by the Chairman Mr. Kirimi Mpungu and the CEO Mr. Wesley Siele presented key issues affecting the agricultural sector, including excessive taxation and compliance requirements like the WARMA levies increase from Ksh. 0.50 to Ksh.2.50 per unit, the standard levy increase from ksh. 400 to Ksh. 4,000, complex tax systems impacting SMEs, the need for flexible work arrangements, pending labor instruments, delays in NITA reimbursements, export clearance inefficiencies, and challenges related to SHA service delivery.
In his remarks, the PS expressed satisfaction with the piloting of the Floriculture Curriculum, noting its importance in strengthening skills development and professionalizing the sector. He committed to supporting its roll-out across all flower farms that are members of the Association within the next one month, signaling a significant step forward in sector-wide capacity building.
The PS further reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to dialogue and collaboration with industry stakeholders to address emerging challenges while safeguarding both business sustainability and workers’ welfare.
AEA sincerely thanks Olij Propagation Ltd, Van Den Berg Flowers and Shalimar Fresh for graciously hosting the visit, and we appreciate the continued partnership of our members in advancing constructive engagement with government.
The Association remains committed to championing members’ interests and ensuring that the voice of the agricultural sector continues to be heard at the highest policy levels.