Nestled in the lush highlands of Timau, where the air is crisp and the soil fertile, Uhuru Flowers Ltd is quietly redefining what it means to grow with purpose. Founded by Ivan Freeman 18 years ago, the company has blossomed into a beacon of sustainable horticulture, producing premium roses at 2,600 metres above sea level — including the rare Rosa Damascena, a fragrant variety originally from Damascus.
But beyond the blooms, Uhuru Flowers is sowing seeds of impact through a unique partnership with African Originals, Kenya’s trailblazing craft beverage company. Each year, Uhuru Flowers supplies African Originals with over 200 liters of pure rose water, a key botanical in their artisanal tonics and gins. The rose water, also marketed under Uhuru’s own Bella Rose brand, is prized not only for its delicate flavour but also for its versatility in cosmetics — from facial mists to hair tonics.
With a shelf life of three years, it’s a product that embodies both elegance and endurance. “We’re proud to work with African Originals, a company that truly values the origin and integrity of its ingredients,” says Ivan Freeman, Managing Director of Uhuru Flowers. “Their support helps us continue investing in sustainable practices and local livelihoods.”
Uhuru Flowers Ltd’s sustainability credentials are impressive: 50% of its operations run on solar energy, over 3,000 trees have been planted on its grounds, and the company provides employment to 350 people in the region. Yet, challenges persist. Inconsistent government regulations and high export costs remain hurdles for Kenya’s floriculture sector.
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For African Originals, the partnership is more than transactional — it is transformational. “We believe in crafting beverages that tell a story, and that story begins with our farmers,” says Alexandra Chappatte, CEO and Founder of African Originals. “Uhuru Flowers exemplifies the kind of partner we seek — innovative, ethical, and deeply rooted in community.”
African Originals has built its brand on local sourcing, drawing botanicals from across Kenya: bitter orange leaves from Kilifi, lemongrass from Kaaabati, bay leaves from Kinangop, and juniper berries from Kijabe. Their commitment to traceability and farmer empowerment is woven into every bottle, with plans to launch a digital system that lets consumers trace ingredients back to the farm.
Together, Uhuru Flowers and African Originals are proving that sustainability can be turned into a business model. From the slopes of Mount Kenya to the shelves of Nairobi’s trendiest bars, their collaboration is a fragrant reminder that when companies invest in people and the planet, everyone blooms.
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