Using waste water to grow rose flowers

Ms Ngige says every player needs to make an effort in minimizing environmental damage resulting from the flower industry.

“We are concerned not only about the image of the flower industry, but also about the lives of the people who depend on the lake. This is our country and we must protect the environment,” she said.

“This incident is not unique to Kenya. It has happened elsewhere, but the good thing is that we’re looking for a solution to assure the market on the Kenyan flower industry,” she added.

In the wake of the fish deaths, investigations by Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, the National Environmental Management Authority as well as the flower farms were launched and the results could be out any time this week.

Exact cause

“We want to know the exact cause of this unfortunate incident. The reputation of the flower industry is at stake and the truth needs to be told,” Ms Ngige noted.

The industry made Sh32 billion in earnings last year, down from over Sh40 billion in the “magical year” of 2008. This year’s projection is at Sh35 billion based on efficient delivery of produce to the market through tele-sales and direct sales, Ms Ngige said.