Pyrethrum farmers from four counties in Kenya will benefit from support by the Norwegian Agency for Development (NORAD) over four years to grow the crop. The new partnership, dubbed the Sustainable Pyrethrum Market System Development Project Kenya, is expected to begin later in the year.
Speaking during a consultative meeting to discuss the programme in Elgeyo Marakwet, the DCA Kenya Head of the Program, Mr Patrick Kibuku said the Norwegian Agency will give support to Elgeyo Marakwet, Nakuru, Nyandarua and West Pokot spread over four years.
Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos met with DanChurchAid Kenya (DCA) and the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) to discuss Ugatuzi na Haki Project I & II and also “Project Daisy” aimed at reviving pyrethrum growing in the County.
Governor Tolgos hailed the new partnership saying it would create much-needed wealth as well as job creation to locals and called on farmers, particularly in the highland areas to embrace the programme when it is launched. Tolgos reminisced the 1990s when the pyrethrum sector was thriving employing many people, especially during harvesting. He added that many people in Elgeyo Marakwet were also educated from proceeds from the sale of pyrethrum produce.
“That is set to resume now because we and our partners are keen to ensure that we do not go back to mistakes that led to the collapse of pyrethrum growing and subsequent loss of trust in the crop,” he said. The Governor said the County will enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with all players in the programme to safeguard farmers from any losses.
The NCCK head of the delegation and NCCK North Rift Regional Manager Rev Grace Rugut further disclosed that the church umbrella body would continue supporting various developmental interventions under its ongoing Ugatuzi na Haki Project I &II. Rev Grace Rugut thanked DCA Kenya and other organizations that support NCCK’s initiatives in the region saying the interventions have greatly uplifted the living standards of locals and reduced incidences of insecurity.
“The Church compliment Government efforts in the service of God and humanity,” she said.
Her sentiments were echoed by the Governor who appreciated the supplementary efforts by NCCK and its partners in supporting the development.
It was therefore agreed that:
- That an MoU between NCCK, DCA and the County Government of Elgeyo Marakwet will be drawn for execution within one month.
- All stakeholders will be involved during the final project design workshop to revive pyrethrum growing.
- A TOR will be circulated to establish the suitability of Micro Insurance Scheme for small scale farmers.
- The Elgeyo Marakwet County Government will lead the efforts aimed at laying a firm foundation through a Legal Framework to guide the revival of Pyrethrum Growing.
