Drivers of labour productivity in flower farms in Naivasha, Kenya

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.