Fertiliser shortage threatens Valentine’s Day flower supply

As the world readies to mark Valentine’s Day on February 14, flower growers are a worried lot as fertilizer shortage arising from delays at the Mombasa port continues to bite.

Over 1,000 tonnes of calcium nitrate meant for flower farms are still lying in Mombasa awaiting clearance by a multiagency team.

Farmers say if the situation is not addressed, flower exports as well as local supply will be affected.

With the looming shortage of flowers, Sunday Nation has learned that prices will be hiked ahead of Valentine’s Day.

The multi-agency team headed by Deputy Head of Public Service Wanyama Musiambo was formed to clean the Kenyan market of illicit goods and prosecute graft.

It is yet to clear the fertilizer consignment meant for flowers.

“We are really concerned over the slow pace at which this multi-agency team is taking in clearing goods at the port. This problem is not only affecting the flower industry, but other sectors as well,” said Mr Eustace Muriuki, the chairman Fertiliser Association of Kenya.