In a significant boost to Kenya’s pyrethrum sector, Nakuru County Governor Susan Kihika joined senior government officials and agricultural stakeholders in launching certified pyrethrum seedlings and a farmers’ field day in Elburgon.
The event, organized by the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), brought together Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, and Nyandarua Governor Moses Kiarie Badilisha, underscoring the national importance of reviving the once-thriving pyrethrum industry.
Governor Kihika reaffirmed Nakuru County’s determination to spearhead the sector’s resurgence, highlighting the county’s growing footprint in pyrethrum farming. “Over 10,000 farmers across eight sub-counties are actively engaged, with 3,884 acres under cultivation producing 1,273 metric tonnes worth Sh236.9 million,” she said.
To support this effort, the county has distributed more than 51 million seedlings valued at Sh147 million to farmers. In the 2024/25 financial year alone, 9 million seedlings worth Sh31.8 million have reached 1,653 farmers.
Felix Koskei applauded farmers’ efforts and urged the private sector to step up. “We commend the farmers, but the private sector must offer better prices,” he said, adding that counties should also invest more in extension services to support agricultural development.
CS Kagwe echoed the need for collaboration, stressing the importance of strategic partnerships. “We need strong public-private partnerships to drive growth in the pyrethrum sector,” he said.
Governor Kihika acknowledged the role of key partners such as KALRO, PPCK, Kentegra Ltd, DanChurch Aid, NCCK, and Good People International in the crop’s revival. She noted that KALRO Molo is in the process of establishing a tissue culture laboratory for continuous seedling production, while plans are underway to set up a dryer and aggregation centre in the Kuresoi/Molo area and a pyrethrin testing laboratory at AFA premises.
Nakuru County is also promoting the establishment of cooperatives, licensing of nurseries, and small-scale value addition — including mosquito coil production in Molo and Subukia — to increase farmers’ income.
Governor Kihika called on farmers to take full advantage of the support available. “I urge farmers to use certified seedlings, engage with extension officers, and form cooperatives to boost their bargaining power,” she said.
The county’s ambitious plan seeks to expand pyrethrum acreage to 30,000 and firmly establish Nakuru as the capital of pyrethrum farming in Kenya.
