Abstract:
Although Kenya is the most successful producer and exporter of fresh produce and flowers in sub-Saharan
Africa, Other countries both in Africa and elsewhere, offer strong competition that could erode export market
share in future. Increased labor productivity is crucial for Kenya’s competitiveness. This study aimed at
examining the key drivers of labour productivity in flower farms in Naivasha, Kenya. Descriptive survey design
was employed and stratified proportionate random sampling technique used to select 381 respondents from who
data was collected using a questionnaire. A log-linearized Cobb-Douglas model was used examine determinants
of labour productivity. The results showed that workers’ participation in Labor unions, Information &
Communication Technology and workers’ skills acquired through training were the major factors that determined
labour productivity by 35.4 percent, 19 percent and 14.7 percent respectively. While worker’s wage increase and
tools used by a worker influenced labour productivity by 9 percent and 11.4 percent respectively. Worker’s level
of education and worker’s experience also increased labour productivity by 5.1 percent and 4 percent
respectively. The study recommends that; the Kenyan government should give special attention to education to
produce skilled and innovative workers. Flower Farms should invest more in training of workers to acquire
relevant skills, acquisition of appropriate tools; improve ICT infrastructure and support labor union in the flower
farms.