In terms of employment, legislation and mentality, Kenya is a great country to start as an entrepreneur, especially by African standards. This is what Jan van Dam, CEO of Dutch Flower Group, says in BNR World Conquerors. Not everything goes fast enough, but the benevolence is great and in the end everything settles down in a good way.
It is no coincidence that at least thirty Global top 500 companies already have a branch in Nairobi. Wouter van Vliet, director of the consultancy firm Larive International, confirms Kenya’s image as an important country for East Africa. He calls it “the stepping stone to the East African Community, an area with about half a billion people.” ‘Most people don’t know this, but it’s a big commercial bloc with people speaking both English and Swahili.
Historically, the Netherlands has been a major investor in Kenya. After what once started with the flower industry, many other entrepreneurs are also moving to Kenya to produce locally for the local market. He has the wind in his sails due to the rapid growth of the middle class, says Van Vliet. “A Dutch bicycle manufacturer has just started producing electric bicycles in Nairobi. From a financial point of view, the city has been the hub of private equity for years, among other things, to set up offices there.’
Kenya alone has nearly 100 million inhabitants. In particular, the country is a major producer of roses, which are then sold in supermarkets in the Netherlands and other European countries, and often come from Kenya. A major player in the international flower market is the Dutch Flower Group. CEO Jan van Dam explains why flowers are grown in Kenya and how they get here sustainably.
“It’s a big commercial block with people speaking English and Swahili. ‘
Dutch Flower Group exports large quantities of flowers to the Netherlands from their purchasing office in Nairobi. Since the mid-1990s, the industry has developed at an unprecedented pace. The conditions around the equator, for example in countries such as Kenya, Ethiopia, Colombia and Ecuador, are often very favourable: altitude, water and sun are needed, says CEO Jan van Dam. Dutch Flower Group buys the majority from various farms in Kenya, especially roses.
In recent years, the flower sector in Kenya has seen great growth from Indian growers. For Van Dam it is even the category with which he exchanges the most. They’ve invested a lot in the last ten or fifteen years and that’s a good thing, says Van Dam. “They’re good businessmen that we do good business with. And they are also good breeders.
Inheritance of cultural differences3
Culture clash can ultimately be supervised, says Wouter van Vliet. Just don’t underestimate the importance of a hot meal. But above all, understanding the context is essential: the Dutch immediacy is best left out. “Read the person across the table so you understand the answer better. And in line with that: stature is very important in Kenya and as a Dutch you are welcomed warmly and highly so make sure you have all the respect and know who you are doing business with and who is the decision maker.’
Listen to the full episode of BNR World Conquerors here
Source: BNR
Sharon Rock is an author and journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. She has a passion for learning about different cultures and understanding the complexities of the world. With a talent for explaining complex global issues in an accessible and engaging way, Sharon has become a respected voice in the field of world news journalism.
