Day 15: Tambuzi

The name Tambuzi comes from the mixture of two driven, hardworking and unique characters, Maggie and Tim. The word buzi is the Swahili word for “goat.”

From this unique blend stems the magnificent rose farm. On the foot of Mount Kenya Tambuzi- stop and smell the roses. Rose farming in Kenya is notorious for its negative impact on the environment. I decided it was something we had to see for ourselves. We arrived at the farm and on the first tree is a sign saying, “Protect our environment.” This farm is as beautiful as the flowers it produces. At the moment there are 230 employees, this can double according to the seasons. After spending time with some of the staff members, it was clear that the farm has a healthy working relationship, it is not only the fresh smell of roses that puts a smile on everyone’s faces but the directors of the farm care for their staff and their environment and thus listen to the peoples needs. With companies like White Rose Foundation, who give a percentage of each stem bought back to the employee, these needs can be answered.  According to Christine, who runs HR on the farm, when all the percentages were added together, the staff compiled a list of requests for how the funds should be used.  Tambuzi and White Rose foundation joined forces and introduced a solar lighting project that was the most urgent need.  This concept has revolutionized how the staff live. Before people would be forced to use paraffin which is not only eco-destructing but also expensive and not easily accessible. Paraffin burns quickly and thus kids could not do their homework and would spend the night in complete darkness. The solar lamp has four lights with extension cords and can light a small home for seven hours. At the base there is also a connection to charge a mobile phone and play a small radio. The solar light has made such an impact, that families of the staff members are desperate to have them in their homes. Tambuzi arranged a special price to ensure another, approximately, 250 solar lamps. 580 people in Kenya now used solar lighting. Not only is this a huge improvement on the carbon footprint but it also saves people time money and energy.  “I was using three litres of paraffin a month, my children could not do their homework. I had to walk 8km to charge my cell phone. My kids can now do homework up to 11pm at night and I can charge my cell phone. I am so happy for the solar lamp” was the response from Regina (Tambuzi rose picker) when we asked her about the lamp. At the coffee shop today I saw Tambuzi roses; there was a warm feeling in my heart when we purchased a bunch. I have a new appreciation for roses and the people who cultivate them.