Flower farming in Naivasha
is in a crisis following massive exodus of workers due to
violence that has forced thousands to flee.
With less than a week to Valentine’s Day, when lovers
and close friends exchange fresh flowers worldwide, more
than 3,000 workers have resigned from their jobs due to
the violence.
The Kenya Plantations and allied Workers Union (KPAWU) said
most of their members in Naivasha town and Karagita estate
have decided to quit.
Mr Peter Otieno, the union’s local secretary-general,
said the move had plunged the industry into a crisis that
has already affected production.
"The workers are fearful and have been traumatised
by what they saw. They cannot stay in Naivasha anymore,"
he said.
Otieno, who was also displaced, said that small-scale farms
were the most affected.
"The union and the management have tried to talk to
the fleeing workers, but many are adamant that they would
not stay in Naivasha as their lives were in danger."
Workers said they were not keen to work in Naivasha anymore.
" It is no longer safe. There is hatred and a small
incident triggers emotions that lead to death and destruction
of property," said Joel Ochuodho.
"What is the need of working tirelessly for years only
to be carried home in a coffin?" he asked.
Mr Joseph Kibuta, a senior manager with Panda Flowers, said
more than 200 workers have already left the farm.
"There is a problem and some workers want to go on
leave while others have resigned. But this won’t affect
out Valentine production," he said.
The world’s leading producer of rose flowers, Sher
Karutuli, has, however, downplayed the crisis, saying only
a few workers had left.
One of the farm’s directors, Mr Martin Ole Kamwaro
said about 20 workers had resigned.
"It’s true that the workers are affected and
want to leave Naivasha, but I have managed to convince most
of them otherwise," he said.
But another firm, Homegrown Company, confirmed that one
of its farms, Kingfisher, lost more than 200 workers.
A senior manager said they feared the problem could get
worse, if the tense situation continued.
But speaking on the telephone, the farm’s Corporate
Social Responsibility Director, Mr Richard Fox, said the
situation had normalised, but added that the firm would
issue a comprehensive statement through the Kenya Flower
Council.
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