What began as a modest flower export venture has grown into a multi-faceted agricultural enterprise, as Credible Blooms expands its footprint beyond floriculture into food production.

Based in Rumuruti, Laikipia County, the company is embracing diversification to navigate the uncertainties of the flower industry while tapping into the growing demand for staple crops and export produce.

Eliud Kamau, the founder and driving force behind Credible Blooms, spent nearly two decades working in floriculture before setting up his own venture. Initially focused on exporting roses, his company flourished, distributing flowers to over 15 countries.

In 2015, he made a bold move—securing 200 acres of land and expanding greenhouse cultivation to 32 hectares, alongside open-field farming of summer flowers.

As the flower industry remained unpredictable, Kamau saw an opportunity in food production, particularly in addressing gaps in the supply of key agricultural products.

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He noted that food security in Kenya continues to be a major challenge, with local companies struggling to meet the demand for certified maize seed.

“Food security remains a major challenge,” he said.

“Kenyan companies are struggling to meet even 50 per cent 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.”

Currently, Credible Blooms produces 800 tonnes of maize seed annually and is aiming for a 20 per cent increase in output each year.

Kamau emphasised that while floriculture is a luxury market, food production provides a more stable foundation.

“With food, you have stability. People will always need to eat,” he explained.

He also pointed to the growing demand for avocados in key export regions, saying, “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.”

The company’s expansion has been supported by a financial partnership with Equity Bank Kenya, which has provided funding and business advisory services.

Managing Director Moses Nyabanda said the bank's involvement has helped Credible Blooms scale up its operations and diversify its agribusiness portfolio.

“Our support has enabled the florists scale their production, invest in food crops, and effortlessly adapt to emerging value chains,” he stated.

He further revealed that Equity Bank is exploring additional ways to strengthen the partnership, saying, “We are now exploring additional avenues, including insurance and expanded financial solutions, to further strengthen this partnership.”

During a visit to the farm, Kamau led Nyabanda through the maize fields, explaining the different seed varieties under cultivation.

The bank executive also toured the company’s packaging facility, where he observed the freshly harvested roses, underscoring Credible Blooms’ dual commitment to floriculture and food security.

Looking to the future, Kamau remains optimistic about the company’s direction. He expressed confidence in the role of strong collaborations and careful planning in sustaining growth, stating, “With the right partnerships and strategic planning, we can continue to drive innovation in both floriculture and food production.”

With diversification at its core, Credible Blooms is proving that resilience and adaptability are key to thriving in modern agribusiness.