Oserian Flowers Ltd (now Bohemian Flowers Ltd) was founded in 1969 and has been Fairtrade certified since 2003. Oserian established itself as one of the most well respected flower farms in the world due to its corporate social responsibility, concern for the environment and steady growth in production.
About Oserian
The name Oserian comes from Maasai word serian, which means “to be at peace” or “to be safe”. Located on the shores of Lake Naivasha the company produce 350 million stems ever year and employs almost 5,000 people.
The company grows a wide variety of flowers including Roses, Carnations and Gypsophila and exports all over the world to the UK, Europe, Middle East, US, Japan, and Australia.
Part of the farm is given over to a 7,280 hectare wildlife sanctuary inhabited by endangered species such as Rhinos, Grevy’s Zebras and Cheetahs.
Premium use
Education
Oserian has been investing over 30% of its premiums in the provision of bursaries for the workers and their dependents. Over the last two years, 3,786 applicants have been awarded bursaries amounting to over Ksh. 68 million. The project has seen an improvement in the literacy levels of the employees and surrounding community.
Health
Oserian, with six other Fairtrade flower farms, contributed 43% to the construction of the Naivasha Maternity Hospital in 2013. Since then, over 14,000 babies have been born in the hospital. The hospital plays a vital role as more than 60% of the workers at the farms are women. Ongoing donations to the running and development of the hospital, as well as bereavement support are offered. Moreover, the Fairtrade Premium Committee (FPC) at Oserian covers workers’ and their families’ medical costs at local health centres, and also runs a 24-hour ambulance service.
Other projects
- A micro-lending allows members to borrow up to 50,000 KSH at very low interest rates
- A welfare bus allowing workers to travel at a low cost
- A vocational centre, built and equipped using Fairtrade Premium, is currently being leased to the Kenya Institute of Development Studies