Exploitation and Environmental Hazards in Naivasha Flower Farms, Kenya

Naivasha in Kenya, known for its lake and hippos, has become famous for its flower farms. Oserian, the first flower farm, was established in 1982. Currently, Naivasha hosts over 50 of Kenya's 120 flower farms. Kenya ranks as the third largest exporter of cut flowers globally, with 40% of Europe's roses originating from here.

Kenyan workers at multinational flower farms in Naivasha earn as little as $55 a month, while the companies make millions annually. The disparity in wealth is stark, with poverty prevalent among workers despite the flower farms' profitability.

Karaturi, once the world's largest multinational flower farm in Naivasha, faced allegations of sexual harassment and tax evasion. The company shut down in 2016 after being accused of evading millions in taxes. Karaturi's complex financial structure involved shifting profits to Dubai to avoid taxes in Kenya.

Multinational companies like Karaturi exploit international tax loopholes to evade taxes, eroding the tax base in developing countries like Kenya. This practice exacerbates the wealth gap between developed and developing nations, leading to unfair and unjust economic disparities.

People were seen walking out of the gate, some crying, and others running aimlessly after losing their jobs. The closure of the school led to children being out of school, and families faced financial hardship with no salary for that month. This resulted in a wave of suicides within a few days, including a tragic incident where a young lady with children hanged herself.

Karaturi, a company in Kenya, faced backlash as the owner disappeared, leaving unpaid bills. Despite this, in 2019, the Ethiopian government negotiated with Karaturi to expand their operations, granting them 1000 hectares of land for farming. This highlighted the company's ability to exploit and operate in different countries using the same exploitative model.

The legacy of colonialism persists in Africa through neocolonial practices, allowing multinational companies from the Global North to exploit cheap labor and resources in the Global South. This perpetuates a system where profits are repatriated, resources are extracted, and African nations are subjugated economically, leading to modern-day slavery and destruction of local industries.

The majority of flower farms in Kenya are owned by multinationals, with a significant number being Dutch-owned. Ownership structures are complex, making it difficult to ascertain clear ownership and profit distribution. Many farms are interconnected, with ownership changing hands frequently, often to the detriment of Kenyan workers who face job insecurity and low wages.

Workers in Kenyan flower farms face harsh conditions, with security concerns preventing them from speaking out about issues like low wages and poor working conditions. A specific example is the drastic salary reduction from $147 to $58 per month for general workers when a new company, Bohemian, took over a flower farm. Workers fear losing their jobs if they raise concerns, highlighting the vulnerability of laborers in the industry.

Kongoni River Farm Limited, owned by Veg Pro, which in turn is owned by Flower Exchange based in Dubai with a Dutch owner. Flower Exchange also owns Floral Delight, Uhuru, and Big Flowers. All these Kenyan farms are ultimately owned by the same multinational, totaling 250 hectares across seven farms.

Workers at the flower farms are coerced into lying about working conditions. They are instructed to only say positive things when questioned by 'visitors' to the farm, under the threat of negative consequences if they speak ill of the company.

Despite flourishing flower farms in Naivasha, worker conditions remain poor, profits are underdeclared, and trade misinvoicing persists. This business model, similar to Karaturi, continues to impact the economy negatively.

Aggressive tax practices by multinationals drain resources from Kenya, affecting infrastructure development like highways, hospitals, and schools. This leads to debt crises and impacts every level of society, ultimately affecting every Kenyan.

Former Karaturi workers are still waiting for unpaid severance money. One worker, with 20 years of service, faced health issues due to exposure to chemicals at the farm. Private healthcare saved his life, contrasting with inadequate treatment at the company clinic.

Doctors in Naivasha, many of whom are current or former employees of flower farms, witness numerous cases of respiratory issues, skin conditions, and infections among workers. The pressure from management and lack of proper healthcare facilities contribute to the deteriorating health of employees.

Workers in the flower farm faced unsafe working conditions due to exposure to harmful chemicals without proper protective gear. The lack of masks, dust coats, headscarves, and gumboots led to instances of fainting and dizziness. Chemicals were not properly labeled, violating laws and international practices. The concentration of banned pesticides like DDT, Endosulfan, and Aldrin in the environment was found to be worrying.

Despite being banned, certain chemicals were repackaged under different trade names and sold in Kenya. The speaker faced threats from agrochemical companies for exposing this illegal practice. The speaker, Gladys Boss Shollei, a woman member of parliament for Uasin Gishu county, highlighted that 262 banned chemicals in Europe, the UK, and the US were being sold in Kenya, leading to severe health issues like cancer, kidney failure, and respiratory problems.

Gladys Boss Shollei accused the Pest Products Control Board of colluding with agrochemical companies, creating an unholy trinity with politicians and the government. She emphasized the influence of political interests in perpetuating the use of harmful pesticides, making it difficult for clean businesses to operate in the Global South.

Booker Ngesa recounts his bitter experience working with flower companies, where he discovered the corrupt practices of bypassing regulations by seeking contacts within the government to help with illegal chemical use. The companies exploit loopholes to avoid prosecution, with politicians benefiting from the corruption. This highlights corruption at various levels, from protecting big internationals to compromising processes at ports and government agencies.

Fisherman Benson witnessed the consequences of chemical use near flower farms, leading to the death of fish due to illegal chemical dumping. He describes how the fish population has dwindled, sizes have shrunk, and migration patterns have changed, affecting fishing activities. Despite reporting the issue to authorities, corruption hindered the investigation and resolution of the problem.

After reporting dead fish to authorities, Benson and others faced a lack of transparency in the testing process. Water samples were taken, but results were not provided, raising suspicions of corruption. The local chief's dismissive attitude and threats towards those investigating further suggest a cover-up to protect those involved in illegal chemical use.

The flower farms engage in deceptive practices to bypass Europe's strict import rules. They use harmful chemicals early in the growing process but switch to safer, organic pesticides before harvest to meet European residue limits. This practice reflects a disregard for the health and safety of workers and consumers, prioritizing profit over ethical standards.

The speaker describes working at a flower farm, expressing dissatisfaction due to low pay and small size of the farm. They recall instances of going without food and lunch, highlighting the challenging conditions faced.

The speaker recounts a dangerous incident where workers were asked to enter an area being sprayed with chemicals, leading to health issues like headaches and vomiting. The supervisor's dismissive attitude towards worker safety is highlighted.

Due to exposure to chemicals at the flower farm, the speaker experienced health problems, leading to a significant weight loss from 75kg to 50kg. They also mention difficulties in conceiving and attribute it to the farm's working conditions.

The speaker discusses the prevalence of reproductive problems among female flower farm workers, including struggles with fertility, miscarriages, and a higher rate of reproductive issues compared to the general population. Lack of proper research on these issues is highlighted.

After seeking medical help, the speaker was informed by a doctor about the presence of chemicals in their blood circulation. They were prescribed medication to cleanse their system, but the treatment had negative consequences.

The speaker shares a heartbreaking experience of losing a child due to exposure to chemicals while pregnant at the flower farm. This traumatic event led to their decision to leave the farm.

Following the traumatic incident, the speaker decided to leave the flower farm industry and pursued a career in pastoral work. They eventually became a pastor, highlighting a positive transformation in their life.

The speaker transitioned to selling fruits in the market, enjoying a healthier and more profitable occupation free from harmful chemicals. They express contentment with their new job and the financial benefits it brings.

Motivated by a desire to be a voice for their community, the speaker became a community volunteer to address local issues. They emphasize the importance of advocating for the well-being of others and receiving support from the community.

Drawing a parallel between nurturing a rose flower and creating a conducive environment for farm workers in the Global South, the speaker advocates for fair and non-exploitative working conditions that prioritize the well-being of workers and retain profits locally.