What makes the rose named after Mrs. Kotut meaningful to her?

She shared that Rosa Loves Me Radiant Rebecca carries personal significance. It reminds her of Kiss, the first pink rose grown at Karen Roses, and stands as a symbol of her long journey in floriculture.

How does Karen Roses support its surrounding community?

The farm invests in local wellbeing through access to clean water projects, education programs, healthcare support, and meaningful employment that strengthens the rural economy.

Why is Karen Roses known for strong family values?

Mrs. Kotut explained that several family members joined her along the way to manage and grow the farm, shaping its culture and the spirit that guides the company today.

Where can buyers find Radiant Rebecca?

The rose is available directly from Karen Roses and is now part of their commercial range following its official debut during IFTF 2024.

10 Questions to Mrs. Rebecca Kotut, Director of Karen Roses

For Mrs. Rebecca 'Mama' Kotut, her dream of moving away from the 9-5 routine and her love of flowers led her to start her own farm, Karen Roses. This was more than three decades ago, and looking back, she is filled with immense pride and joy at the progress made so far. Today, Karen Roses comprises two farms: the first in Nairobi's Karen area and the second in Baringo County in the Rift Valley.

Today, Karen Roses has more than 90ha in production, and flowers such as roses (standard and spray), Alstroemerias, fillers, and custom bouquets are available on the farm. These milestones deserve recognition; thankfully, Viking Roses responded promptly by naming a rose after Mrs. Kotut. The rose, Rosa Loves Me® Radiant Rebecca , was baptized under her name during the IFTF 2024 and is now available for you at Karen Roses. Mrs. Kotut reflects on this achievement and the progress realized so far in this week's 10 questions. Read more of her story below.

Question 1

Mrs. Kotut, how did your personal journey in floriculture begin, and what inspired you to start Karen Roses?

"I used to work in the public service, earning a modest salary. When we moved 20 km away from my office, the daily commute became expensive and tiring. I decided to find something closer to home. Since I loved flowers, a friend suggested growing roses in steel greenhouses for export to the Dutch auction. I loved the idea and was fortunate to find nearby land suitable for the project. I also secured funding from a Dutch institution, FMO. That’s how Karen Roses began in 1989."

10 Questions to Mrs Kotut — *Mrs. Rebecca Kotut and Rosa Eskelund, during the baptism of Rosa Loves Me Radiant Rebecca*

Question 2

Karen Roses is known for its strong family values. How has your family shaped the spirit and success of the farm over the years?

"My family has been incredibly supportive and has played a hands-on role in our success. Several family members even left their own jobs to join in managing and developing Karen Roses. Their involvement has been key to the company’s growth and values."

Question 3

What does it mean to you personally to have a rose, Rosa Loves Me® Radiant Rebecca, named after you?

"I feel deeply honored and privileged to have Rosa Loves Me® Radiant Rebecca named after me. I hope that it brings joy and happiness to everyone who receives it.

Question 4

Can you tell us about the story behind the name 'Rosa Loves Me® Radiant Rebecca'? How did that collaboration with Viking Roses come about?

"I was both shocked and pleasantly surprised at the IFTF 2024 when I was invited to help name a new rose, only to discover it was named after me! We’ve worked with Viking Roses, a breeder known for its unique varieties, for several years. One of my earlier favourites from them was Inger Kristine, before Rosa Loves Me® Radiant Rebecca came along.

Question 5

What makes the Rosa Loves Me® Radiant Rebecca rose special to you, both as a flower and as a symbol?

"Rosa Loves Me® Radiant Rebecca is a beautiful flower that holds a special place in my heart. It reminds me of Kiss, the very first pink rose we grew at Karen Roses, which helped open the export market for us. The two share a lovely resemblance."

Question 6

Sustainability and community impact are key in Kenyan floriculture. How does Karen Roses contribute to both environmental care and social development locally?

"At Karen Roses, we strive to protect the environment by conserving water, utilizing solar energy, and promoting sustainable farming practices. We also provide meaningful employment in a rural area, which strengthens the local economy. Together with our customers, we support community projects, including schools, clean water initiatives, and improved healthcare services, to foster both employee and community welfare."

Question 7

Over the years, how has the global perception of Kenyan roses evolved?

"The perception of Kenyan roses has greatly improved over the years. From being perceived as a source of cheap, low-quality flowers to now being recognized as a supplier of a range of high-quality flowers. Among the best in the world. "

Question 8

What role do women play in the daily life of your farm, and how do you support their growth and empowerment?

"Women make up about 60% of our workforce. We support them by helping balance work and family life through benefits like maternity leave, a baby crèche, a nursing room, and affordable, quality education for their children. We also offer training and career development to help them grow and succeed. Our goal is to ensure no “glass ceilings” stand in their way."

Question 9

When you look across your greenhouses, what feelings or thoughts come to mind about all you’ve built?

"I feel immense joy and pride when I see how far we’ve come over the past 35 years, bringing happiness to people around the world through our flowers, while creating good livelihoods for so many in our community."

Question 10

Finally, what message would you like to share with flower lovers around the world when they receive a bouquet with a Rosa Loves Me® Radiant Rebecca rose?