The National government in collaboration with the county governments targets to revitalize the pyrethrum crop sub-sector across the Kenya highlands. Agriculture CS Peter Munya says the target is to plant 8,000 new acres of pyrethrum in the next two years bringing on board 16,000 new farmers.
“This will lead to the creation of about 50,000 new jobs, which were lost when the pyrethrum industry collapsed nearly 20 years ago. The Government of Kenya commits to supporting the industry to ensure the Kenyan highlands will soon be populated and beautified with the white and yellow of pyrethrum “GOLD” reclaim it’s former number one pyrethrum global position,” says Munya.
The Ministry will distribute certified pyrethrum seeds worth Ksh 40 million to boost productivity and increase profitability. The Ministry has also bought four vehicles to help in the distribution of pyrethrum seedlings across Nakuru county.
As part of the initiative to revive processing at the Pyrethrum Processing Company of Kenya (PPCK) based in Nakuru, the Ministry of Agriculture allocated Kshs.200 million to PPCK to jumpstart processing. So far they are doing 10 tonnes a month.
