Nairobi: The Kenya Flower Council (KFC) has urged industry players to deepen investment in science and innovation to safeguard Kenya’s position as a global leader in floriculture. KFC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Clement Tulezi noted that the sector is facing evolving pest pressures, stricter market requirements, and rising production costs, making new technologies critical for sustaining growth.
According to Kenya News Agency, Tulezi emphasized the significance of innovation in the flower industry, which employs over 200,000 Kenyans directly. He stated, “This is a milestone for our industry. Flowers employ over 200,000 Kenyans directly, and every innovation that helps us maintain quality, meet residue standards, and keep market access is welcome,” highlighting the need for farmers to adopt new solutions to protect yields and remain competitive.
In a keynote address delivered on his behalf by John Njenga, the Scheme Manager at KFC, Tulezi lauded Corteva Agriscience for selecting Kenya among the first countries globally to introduce Verpixo. He described it as a timely boost in the fight against powdery mildew, one of the most devastating diseases in roses. Tulezi expressed gratitude for the product, developed with the flower industry in mind, stating that it will aid farmers in managing disease, maintaining quality, and protecting access to demanding export markets.
The launch event brought together growers, regulators, and scientists to unveil the new fungicide, which its developers described as the first of its kind in the ornamental market. Posada Eduardo, the lead global scientist who presented Verpixo, revealed that the molecule took over 15 years to develop and represents a breakthrough in plant disease control. Eduardo elaborated, “Verpixo is a completely new chemistry. It is our baby. It has a new mode of action and a new site of action, with no cross-resistance to existing fungicides-something this industry urgently needs.”
Furthermore, Eduardo explained that Verpixo works on a unique internal site of the mitochondrial membrane, providing strong preventive and curative power against powdery mildew. He added, “We do not get new molecules very often. This one will give farmers another tool and strengthen resistance management.”
Everlyne Pamba, a researcher involved in the local trials, mentioned that six years of testing in Kenya showed strong results. She noted, “In untreated plots, powdery mildew progressed aggressively. But where Verpixo was applied at 125 ml per 100 litres of water, no infection was observed. It is not a replacement for existing products but an addition to improve rotation programmes.”
Representatives from regulatory agencies confirmed that Verpixo had met all required standards. Peter Otieno of the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) reported that it had undergone rigorous toxicology, ecotoxicology, and efficacy testing before approval, affirming, “I want to confirm that this product is safe, effective, and approved for use in Kenya.”
Moses Oyiera from KEPHIS pledged continued support for innovations that protect Kenya’s export reputation, noting that interceptions remain a major concern for the sector. Additionally, Corteva’s Crop Health and Field Sciences Leader for Africa and the Middle East, Rene Jacobs, outlined the extensive research behind the product, emphasizing the company’s commitment to sustainability and farmer-centred solutions.
Joseph Anampiu, Business Leader for WESCA, commended growers and regulators for their collaboration, assuring, “This launch marks the beginning of a new chapter for our sector. The partnership we see here today will help secure the future of Kenya’s floriculture.”
