In Kenya’s Meru County, Kisima Flower Farm is a powerhouse of sustainable floriculture and community-focused initiatives. With a firm commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility, Kisima has implemented a range of projects that not only benefit the farm but also uplift the surrounding communities. From education and health to water management and green energy, the flower farm’s sustainability efforts are making a significant impact.
Transforming Lives Through Education and Empowerment
The 2023 Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment (FLANA) Report highlights a concerning trend — the percentage of school-aged children between six and 15 years old who are out of school has risen from 7.5 percent in 2021 to 8.5 percent in 2023. The report attributes this increase to a lack of school fees and unfavorable school environments, which hinder learners’ willingness to attend school.
In response to these challenges, Kisima Farm’s commitment to education shines. The farm is working to reverse this troubling trend through its comprehensive support for local schools and students. Currently, nine girls from vulnerable backgrounds are receiving full scholarships to attend Gundua Day and Boarding Secondary School, guaranteeing their access to quality education and a brighter future. Moreover, Kisima has taken steps to improve the learning environment at Kianda Primary School by providing much-needed furniture for the administration block, enhancing the school’s infrastructure, and creating a more conducive atmosphere for learning.
Kenya Flower Council (KFC):
“One of the farm’s standout projects is the mid-morning breakfast program, providing nutritious porridge rich in zinc and calcium to children in nine primary schools. This initiative not only enhances the students’ health but also improves school attendance and retention rates.”
The farm’s support extends to higher education as well, with scholarships provided to university students across the country. Gundua Secondary School and other local primary schools benefit from Kisima’s financial assistance in paying teacher and staff salaries. The farm has also constructed eight staff houses at Gundua Secondary School, ensuring that teachers have adequate housing. Infrastructure improvements, also, continue with the construction of a classroom, toilets, and a kitchen at Njotene Primary School. Additionally, 26 pupils from vulnerable families at Karimba Primary School in the region have been provided with school uniforms, further reducing barriers to education.
Elevating Community Well-Being Through Health Initiatives
The Gundua Skills Centre is another notable project, established to fund the provision of sanitary towels for schoolchildren in the local community, enhancing their dignity and academic performance. The foundation also promotes extracurricular activities, sports, exchange visits, and tours using the Gundua Foundation school bus, fostering a well-rounded education for the community.
Photo by @kisimaflowers.
KFC:
“According to the farm’s General Manager, Craig Oulton, Kisima Flower Farm’s commitment to promoting well-being within the community is vividly reflected in its support of the Gundua Health Centre, a facility that has become a cornerstone of local healthcare. The center has significantly contributed to the health of the community by providing essential medical services. With over 14,000 outpatient visits, 125 inpatient treatments, and 51 successful births, Gundua Health Center provides hope for many residents.”
The efforts extend beyond routine care. Immunization campaigns have reached 1,105 children, ensuring they are protected against various diseases. Additionally, medical camps organized by the center have provided healthcare services to 435 people, addressing a wide range of medical needs.
Photo by @kisimaflowers
These initiatives stress upon Kisima Flower Farm’s dedication to enhancing the overall well-being of the communities surrounding it, making health a fundamental pillar of its sustainability efforts.
Water, Environment, and Forests: At the Heart of Unwavering Conservation Efforts
Kenya attracts substantial investment in floriculture, and it’s easy to see why. The country’s ideal weather and natural conditions create the perfect environment for cultivating flowers. Combined with a wealth of expertise and decades of experience in fresh produce exports, Kenya has positioned itself as a global leader in the industry. Access to European markets, increasingly favorable, further strengthens this position.
Yet, as Kenya’s floriculture sector flourishes, there’s a growing awareness among growers — the need to cultivate not just beautiful flowers, but also a sustainable future. Now more than ever, the focus is on growing sustainably, ensuring that the environment is protected for generations to come. Against this backdrop, the commitment to sustainable practices in Kenya’s floriculture industry isn’t just a trend — it’s a necessity.
Environmental sustainability is at the heart of Kisima’s operations, with a particular focus on conserving water, protecting forests, and nurturing ecosystems. This commitment is exemplified through its active support of the Ngare Nything Water Resource Users Association (WRUA), a vital initiative that plays a critical role in water resource management for the surrounding community. One of the projects under this umbrella is the “My Tank Project,” designed to assist in water harvesting and storage, ensuring that the community has access to this precious resource even during dry periods.
In addition to water conservation efforts, the farm has made significant financial contributions to the Mount Kenya and Ngare Ndare Forest Trusts. These contributions are crucial in maintaining and supporting the essential ecosystem services that these forests provide. The environmental initiatives are further highlighted by its ambitious tree planting program, “Mti Wangu…Mstakabali Wetu” (“My Tree…Our Future”). Through this initiative, Kisima has donated 10,000 tree seedlings to local schools and public institutions, fostering a culture of reforestation and environmental awareness among the younger generation and the broader community, according to Craig.
KFC:
“That is not all, the dedication to sustainable water management is exemplified by the pivotal role of Lagoon 6, also known as Craig’s Dam. This critical water resource is nourished by four natural springs and undergoes regular inspections by the Water Resources Authority (WRA) and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to ensure its sustainability. The use of spring water, naturally filtered and rich in nutrients, reduces the farm’s reliance on chemical treatments, promoting healthier plant growth. This strategic approach to water management not only supports the farm’s agricultural needs but also stresses Kisima’s commitment to environmental stewardship.”
These actions reflect the farm’s holistic approach to sustainability, where the health of the environment is seen as inextricably linked to the well-being of the community. By focusing on water management, forest conservation, and education on environmental stewardship, Kisima is leading by example in the pursuit of a sustainable future.
Kisima’s Agricultural Extension for Sustainable Growth
The cornerstone of its commitment to empowering local farmers and promoting sustainable agriculture is Kisima’s agricultural extension program. By offering hands-on training and hosting field days at its Demonstration Site, the farm provides small-scale farmers with invaluable knowledge and best practices. These initiatives not only enhance the farmers’ agricultural techniques but also contribute to increased productivity and sustainability across the region.
Harnessing the Sun Through Green Energy Initiatives
In line with the obligations under the Paris Agreement that stress the need to adopt renewable energy sources to minimize the carbon footprint, the farm undertakes innovative green energy initiatives. By installing solar panels that now supply 40–70% of the farm’s energy needs, Kisima has taken a significant step toward reducing its carbon footprint while also achieving substantial cost savings.
The farm’s design innovations, such as lagoons that utilize gravity-fed water flow, have further minimized the need for energy-intensive pumps, highlighting their dedication to eco-friendly practices. Additionally, the farm’s buildings are strategically designed to maximize natural lighting, further reducing energy consumption and reinforcing Kisima’s role as a leader in sustainable floriculture.
Kisima’s Holistic Approach - KFC’s Gold Standard in Sustainability
KFC:
“As a KFC Gold certified farm, Kisima goes beyond basic environmental care, operating two wetlands dedicated to wastewater purification and closely monitoring greenhouse gas emissions. The farm is actively phasing out hazardous chemicals, aligning with its commitment to creating a safer environment. Employees benefit from on-site organic food production, and a free clinic provides them with comprehensive healthcare. Central to Kisima’s approach is a robust biodiversity and conservation plan, designed to protect and enhance the farm’s natural resources. This holistic strategy showcases Kisima’s unwavering dedication to sustainability in every aspect of its operations.”
Navigating the Path to Sustainability
When it comes to sustainability, balancing short-term needs with long-term goals is a constant challenge, compounded by the task of raising awareness within the community. To navigate these hurdles, Kisima employs a proactive approach, conducting regular strategy reviews and engaging stakeholders to refine its initiatives. Innovative solutions, such as converting organic waste into biogas and promoting waste reduction, illustrate the farm’s commitment to overcoming obstacles creatively and effectively.
The Future of Sustainability in Floriculture
Craig Oulton:
“Looking ahead, the farm is positioned to spearhead a transformative shift toward sustainability in the floriculture sector. By adopting eco-friendly technologies and practices, we aspire to minimize our environmental footprint and set a new benchmark for the industry. As a leader in sustainable floriculture, we are dedicated to forging strong partnerships and steering the sector towards a greener, more responsible future.”
The farm’s holistic approach to sustainability proves that environmental and social responsibility can harmoniously coexist with business success. Through its extensive range of initiatives, Kisima is cultivating flowers and fostering a thriving, sustainable community, illustrating that true progress in floriculture encompasses both environmental stewardship and social impact.
This article was originally written by the Kenya Flower Council (KFC)
