Credible Blooms: Thriving in Flower Export and Agricultural Diversification

Nestled in Rumuruti, Laikipia County, Credible Blooms stands as proof of resolve, foresight and farming ingenuity. Established by Eliud Kamau, the farm has enlarged from a modest flower export
business into a diverse agricultural operation. The company distributes roses to
more than 15 countries worldwide while extending into food cultivation.
Kamau’s mastery in floriculture extends to over 36 years, with the first 18 spent
accumulating industry knowledge through farm work before starting his venture. At
the outset, Credible Blooms specialized solely in flower aggregation for export. In
2015, Kamau broadened operations, securing 200 acres of land and increasing
cultivation to 32 hectares under greenhouses, alongside outdoor summer flower
cultivation.
Nevertheless, acknowledging the volatility of the high-end flower industry revealed
an opportunity for growth for Credible Blooms. “Food security remains a major
challenge,” he elaborated. “Kenyan companies are struggling to meet even 50% of
the national demand for certified maize seed. This led us to expand into maize seed
cultivation, along with potato farming for Kentucky Fried Chicken widely referred to
as KFC and avocado farming for export.”

As it stands now, the farm yields 800 tons of maize seed per year with intentions to
boost output by 20% each year. “With food, you have stability. People will always
need to eat.” Kamau observed. “With the growing demand for avocados in Europe,
the Middle East, and India, we knew it was a logical step to enter that market as
well.”
Through a strategic customized financial collaboration, the Bank has provided
Credible Blooms with Asset financing, traditional loans, and advisory services. “Our
support has enabled the florists scale their production, invest in food crops, and
effortlessly adapt to emerging value chains,” said Moses Nyabanda, MD Equity Bank
Kenya. “We are now exploring additional avenues, including insurance and
expanded financial solutions, to further strengthen this partnership,” he added.
As Kamau envisions the next phase of growth, he remains optimistic. “With the right
partnerships and strategic planning, we can continue to drive innovation in both
floriculture and food production.”
Credible Blooms Founder and CEO (right), Eliud Kamau (left), gives Equity Bank
Kenya Managing Director, Moses Nyabanda, a guided tour of the maize plantation in
Rumuruti, Laikipia County, highlighting the different maize seed varieties under
cultivation.