Hans Zwager, the founder of Oserian Development Company Ltd, a leading flower exporter, died aged 90 last week.
Zwager was born in the Netherlands in 1926, and arrived in the country in early 1950s, setting up ABN Bank and later meeting his wife June Patricia Ashworth.
One time when he was involved in importation of agricultural spare parts and chemicals, he realised the great potential of agriculture, necessitating his setting up of Kleenway Chemicals in Nairobi and Antipest Ltd in Mombasa in the 1960s.
Sometime in 1969, Zwager purchased Oserian Farm in Naivasha, then a mere cattle ranch with 16 employees, with his enterprising appetite seeing him turn it into a premier flower farm that exports the produce to European Union and Dutch markets.
The company has developed into a thriving community complete with employees’ housing units, educational and health facilities, among others.
Zwager proceeded to start the TFA (Tele Flower Auction) in Amstelveen (the Netherlands), the first ever electronic flower auction in the world, in Netherlands, designed to promote and support Kenyan flower exporters.
He has seen Oserian develop into a thriving community complete with employees’ housing units, educational, shopping and health facilities among others.
Last year Zwager was presented with The Order of Oranje-Nassau.
Source: Daily Nation
