Rainforest Farmlands Kenya Limited, also known as Fleur Africa, is one of the few South American investments in flowers in Kenya. Recently, Fleur Africa made the investment in renewable energy with the commissioning of a 403kWp roof-mounted solar PV system. We recently sat down for an interview with the General Manager, Camilo Serrano, to learn more about what makes his company unique, why the decision to move forward with solar, the experience working with Ariya Finergy, and what advice he gives to other companies in Kenya and the region that are considering making the switch to renewable energy.
Camilo Serrano, General Manager – Fleur Africa
Tell us about yourself and how did you get into the flower business?
I came to Kenya from Colombia in 2018 and have been managing Fleur Africa for 4 years now. I had a varied career before moving into farming generally and then into the flower sector. I worked as a journalist, in security, and I ran a sports technology company. Flowers are a fascinating, interesting and very complex business that deal with everything – people, weather, logistics, Forex, exports, etc. I have new and interesting challenges daily so my job is very fulfilling. Kenya is the best decision I have ever made – I don’t see myself leaving anytime in the near future!
What makes Fleur Africa unique?
Fleur Africa has tried to combine the best of the South American systems with the local know-how and expertise. For example, the packhouse is more like an industrial process line. We hope we have successfully combined the experience of Kenyans who have been working here for many years dealing with weather, pests, and the flowers with some of the developments that Colombia has refined. From Day 1, the shareholders made it clear that this was a long-term investment to build a showcase farm of how flowers should be grown. The vision has always been focused on growth. We started in 2014 with 30 hectares, we then grew little by little, to 40, then 45 hectares, and we will finish 2022 with 65 hectares, thus doubling our size in the past 8 years. Lastly, and most importantly, we have a fantastic team, and our permanent staff are very happy.
Fleur Employees at work on the production line.
What factors lead you to consider investing in a solar PV system?
We wanted to lessen our reliance on the grid and reduce our operating costs. We have analyzed the cost/benefits and the savings from solar in the end made it a very easy decision to make. With operating costs from Q1 last year to this year increasing by as much as 20% and fertilizer going up by 80%, it made a lot of sense to save money where we can. The solar covers 24-25% of our power load allowing us to save on our electricity costs. There is also a massive desire and push from our clients, particularly in Europe and UK, for us to incorporate more green technology and hence to reduce our carbon footprint from the farm to the shop. We are at a moment in time where you either get on the renewable energy train, or the train will leave without you, and you might lose clients because of hesitancy or lack of urgency in implanting technologies to help the environment.
How did you hear about Ariya Finergy and what led you to work with Ariya Finergy as Your Power Partner?
When I came to Kenya, the evaluation process had already begun, and we had around 3-4 proposals already on my desk. We carefully analyzed all the proposals and Ariya stood out for their professional analysis and assessment of what the farm needs as well as for their strong track record in the industry. Although the approvals process took some time, Ariya was always quick to address any requests and provide various alternatives and options regarding the scope. A second key driver for the decision was their strong reputation, local support and after sales service. There are a lot of companies in the market that offer solar but that do not provide local technical support you might need at a certain given time.
What were your expectations of the solar PV system, and have they been met? What about your experience in working with Ariya Finergy?
Our expectations have been met. The forecast we were given have proven to be realistic; we were looking at savings around 20% – 25% of our electric needs – the system is currently achieving 24-25% savings. The solar project has pushed us to better understand where we use energy and to use it smarter from an environmental and cost point of view. This project makes us think differently, and as a result, we are generally managing our energy better.
Ariya is a very professional and friendly team where you can have a normal talk – you’re not just talking to engineers that speak a language that I don’t speak as someone without previous solar experience. From the sourcing/construction/implementation side, interactions were very positive. Even though the system was ordered at the beginning of the supply chain crises, Ariya still delivered the system on time and within budget. And we are now looking to expand; we have additional roof space and as the farm continues to grow, we will need more solar.
Left: Ariya Finergy’s CEO, Jenny Fletcher getting insights on Fleur’s operations from Fleur Africa’s, Regional Technical Representative , Tariq Malik. Right: Fleur Africa’s employee at work
What advice do you give other businesses in Kenya or East Africa considering making the switch to solar?
There was a long period where it made sense to wait to go into solar. Some years ago, solar costs were high and there was uncertainty regarding the technology, but now we are past that stage. Solar PV systems are now affordable and make sense from a financial point of view. For a high energy consuming company like ours, the system provides a quick return on investment and now more than ever there is the need from the environmental point of view for every to take this step. This is one of the rare scenarios where what’s good for the environment is good for your pocket. It’s inconceivable not to do it.
Aeriel view of Fleur Africa’s roof mount solar PV system
It’s been great learning about you and Fleur Africa, as we sign off, what is a fun fact that you would like to share with our readers?
I’m a photographer specializing in documentary/travel photography (my site: http://www.chmillphoto.com/) . I have been very lucky to travel a lot throughout the world. I love India, Japan, SE Asia – I find it amazing. My favorite city in world is Varanasi, India which is one of the holiest cities located on the Ganges River. I’m also honored to be nominated for a very important prize in Colombia in photojournalism called El Premio Simon Bolivar for a photo essay I did in the Maasai Mara which is published in a Colombian magazine.
This interview was conducted by Sebastian Csaszar. Sebastian is the Head of Business Development at Ariya Finergy.