Nakuru County has announced a major initiative to distribute 5.3 million certified pyrethrum seedlings during the current financial year, aiming to rejuvenate the region's once-thriving pyrethrum industry.
County Agriculture Chief Officer Kibet Maina revealed that over 20 million seedlings have been distributed to farmers since the program's inception three years ago. The initiative seeks to increase pyrethrum cultivation to more than 10,000 acres across the county, with 720,500 seedlings already distributed in Kuresoi sub-county benefiting 113 farmers.
Maina emphasized the economic potential of pyrethrum farming, stating that the crop could generate Sh7.5 billion annually for farmers if Kenya reaches its production capacity of 20,000 metric tons. National pyrethrum output has declined sharply from 18,000 metric tons in the early 1990s to just 500 metric tons today, according to Agriculture Food Authority data.
The county government has established a pyrethrum caucus platform, comprising stakeholders, processors, and regulators, to address challenges in the value chain. Governor Lee Kinyanjui confirmed quarterly meetings with stakeholders to monitor progress and resolve issues. The County Integrated Development Programme (2018-2022) targets 2,000 acres under pyrethrum cultivation by early 2023 through improved seed varieties and extension services.
