Kenya's favorable climate for ornamental plant cultivation has positioned it as a key player in both local and global markets. The sector not only contributes to the economy but also creates employment opportunities and enhances living standards.
To sustain this growth, DEG is providing financial support to Selecta One Group, a prominent German producer of ornamental plants. The financing amounts to EUR 3.1 million under DEG's ImpactConnect program. Since 1999, Selecta One has been operating in Kenya through its subsidiary, Selecta Kenya, producing cuttings and plants for international distribution.
DEG has a history of supporting Selecta Kenya with financial assistance and advisory services. In 2014, DEG extended a loan from its own resources to expand production activities in Kenya. This was accompanied by initiatives such as health counseling for female employees under the HERhealth initiative and a feasibility study on solar power adoption.
Volker Schwab, Senior Investment Manager at DEG, stated: “We are delighted to be able to provide an ImpactConnect loan to Selecta – a family-run German company that is known for its high levels of innovation and social responsibility – for further investments in Kenya.” The recent financing aims to modernize operations by incorporating new greenhouses with advanced ventilation systems and increasing solar energy usage. These improvements are expected to enhance production efficiency while reducing resource consumption.
Selecta Kenya upholds high social standards as evidenced by its MPS-SQ certification, which assesses factors like working conditions, occupational health and safety, and employee rights. Over 1,500 employees benefit from secure jobs with good pay and additional benefits. Women make up about two-thirds of the workforce and receive support for professional development. The latest ImpactConnect investment includes measures to improve professional skills training and medical care for employees.
DEG's involvement aims to support the sustainable growth of Selecta Kenya while boosting local economic development.