Connect with us

Markets

1,700 Workers Rendered Jobless as Finlays Kenya Closes two Flower Farms in Kericho

News Team

Published

on

Finalys Kenya will close its Chemirei and Tarakwet flower farms in Kericho by December 25, rendering at least 1,700 jobless.

In a statement issued by the farm’s General Manager, Stephen Scott, the farm has been experiencing challenges from the external market leading to low returns resulting to the painful decision.

“Due to an oversupply in the European Market and decreasing demand, the price of roses has remained very low,” said Scott, “We have also experienced a weakening exchange rate, extreme weather conditions and high labour costs.”

“Employees seconded to Murara plants limited shall also be affected by this change…junior and senior management who are leaving the business will be communicated to on a one to one basis.” added Scott.

Initially, the Finalys had planned to close the farms in December 2020 but brought the closure a year early the company is losing a lot of money and is no longer sustainable. General manager in charge of corporate affairs Sammy Kirui told a local media.

In 2017, the multinational firm suffered heavy losses when 40,000 workers under the Kenya Agricultural and Plantation Workers’ Union; (KAPWU) laid down their tools bringing a standstill to the firm’s activities in Kericho, Bomet and Nandi.

The move paralyzed operations including picking and processing thus costing members of Kenya Tea Growers Association (KTGA) like James Finlay, George Williamson, Kaisugu, and Tea Research institute millions in revenue.

The business magazine for today’s business builders. Inversk offers unparalleled expert insight and analytics on the latest business trends, strategies, analysis and more.

Enterprise Magazine is Owned by The Carlstic Group Ltd. Copyright © 2016—2024. Site Developed and Maintained by Carlstic