Selecta relocates URC – production to Kenya and Uganda

In response to ongoing political instability and an increasingly uncertain military environment in Ethiopia, the Selecta Group will relocate its unrooted cutting (URC) production from the Kunzila site in northern Ethiopia to its main facilities in Kenya and Uganda at the end of the current B&B (Ball and Burlap) season. This strategic move ensures the company can maintain stable operations while safeguarding supply chains and prioritising employee safety.

Despite the transition, Selecta guarantees uninterrupted supply to customers. Production capacities at its well-established farms in Kenya and Uganda have been expanded to ensure continued availability and full delivery capability, particularly during the critical Poinsettia sales season. Looking ahead, Pelargoniums and Mandevilla, previously grown in Ethiopia, will now be cultivated in additional areas on Lake Naivasha, Kenya. Selecta has extensive experience with both crops at this location, ensuring a seamless shift in production without compromising quality.

The decision to close the Ethiopian site followed a thorough assessment. Despite significant efforts over the past two years, ongoing logistical challenges could not be resolved under current conditions. Most importantly, the company could no longer guarantee employee safety to the required standards, making relocation essential.

By consolidating production in Kenya and Uganda—regions with stable environments and climates suited for year-round horticultural operations—Selecta is reinforcing its commitment to reliably and sustainably delivering high-quality plant material.