ABOUT TAMBUZI
“Tambuzi is an ethically run business with one simple goal – to produce the very finest garden scented roses that money can buy. Tambuzi has a range of over 50 carefully selected varieties of roses – each one chosen for their exceptional colour, scent and shape.
“In the mid 1990s, Tim and Maggie Hobbs – a young and dynamic couple with Kenyan roots, came across a beautiful, derelict farm on the foot hills of Mount Kenya only miles from the equator. The 64 hectare farm, originally a dairy and beef farm, was up for sale and with its perfect conditions for growing roses the Hobbs bought and developed it into what it is today: a specialist supplier of traditional garden scented roses- the only one in Kenya.”
“Today, Tambuzi has 25 hectares under horticultural production, with the rest dedicated to sustainable forestry, bee keeping, vegetables and livestock. It is also home to Tim, Maggie and their three young children. Tambuzi is a company driven not just for profit but with the intention of improving the world around it. The company’s strapline ‘stop and smell the roses’ sends a simple message – to slow down, notice and enjoy everything around you. The company strongly believes in the concept of shared values, and it considers the welfare of its employees and the neighbouring communities to be part of its strength.”
Tambuzi uses the best practice methods possible to ensure that there are no negative impacts on the integrity of the environment. Tambuzi is proud to be one of only five ‘gold’ certified members of the Kenya Flower Council.”
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Tambuzi & Shared values
“Tambuzi has linked up with the Waitrose Foundation in South Africa, Kenya and Ghana. The Foundation dedicates a percentage of profits to specific projects, selected by farm workers through an elected workers committee. Projects are diverse, but one of the most exciting ones which Tambuzi is piloting is the introduction of solar lighting to rural homesteads.
“The scheme, although still new, has transformed the lives of many living in Burguret, who until recently relied on kerosene – an expensive and unsustainable fuel. The new scheme involves a pack of four lights which are connected by long cables enabling an entire home to be fully lit up. Although solar energy is clearly the best option as it involves no running costs, the initial investment is unaffordable for the majority of rural Kenyans. The funds received through the Waitrose Foundation, subsidise the cost of the solar lights by 40%. The balance is paid off by the farm worker over a period of time, with the monthly amount being less than what the worker pays for kerosine. A win-win situation. We are frequently assessed by the Kenya Flower Council.”
“TAMBUZI’S BEST PRACTICES
To ensure that best practice methods are followed, Tambuzi is dedicated to complying and meeting the standards set by the industry. Codes of practice – mostly related to the workers and the environment – are assessed through annual audits by various bodies which are both Kenyan-based and international. Tambuzi is current with the following:
KENYA FLOWER COUNCIL
LINKING ENVIRONMENT AND FARMING (LEAF)
FAIR TRADE
FAIR FLOWERS FAIR PLANTS (FFP)
WATER MANAGEMENT
CARING FOR OUR TREES
TAMBUZI HONEY PROJECT
LITTER CONTROL
WETLANDS
Tambuzi uses the best practice methods possible to ensure that there are no negative impacts on the integrity of the environment. Tambuzi is proud to be one of only five ‘gold’ certified members of the Kenya Flower Council.”
Video shared value at Tambuzi
The livelihood of Tambuzi’s workers has far reaching benefits to the wider community. Disposable income in this poor region boosts small business such as local shops and transport services, and the knock-on effect is significant.”
“Tambuzi actively implements the best methods possible to maintain the natural surrounding environment and enhance its resources, for they are crucial not only for the success of the farm but for the community of Burguret.”