U.S. Trade with Kenya

USDA APHIS requires that fresh-cut flowers from Kenya be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate issued by Kenya's plant health authority. Shipments are inspected at the US port of entry for regulated pests and diseases; non-compliant consignments may be refused entry or treated. Importers should work with a licensed customs broker familiar with APHIS requirements to avoid costly delays.

Because roses and other fresh-cut flowers have a shelf life measured in days, virtually all Kenyan floral exports to the United States move by air freight rather than ocean. This makes flight schedules, cold-room handling at Nairobi's airport, and US port-of-entry inspection speed critical variables in procurement planning — particularly around peak demand periods such as Valentine's Day.