This archive report was first published on 8 January 2020.
Published on January 8, 2020, Pyrethrum Processing Company of Kenya (PPCK) is in dire need of a KSh500 million bailout to revive its operations. The company, which was once a leading cash crop in Kenya, is now struggling with debt and graft.
According to Joseph Waweru, the Managing Director of PPCK, the company is requesting the Ministry of Agriculture to allocate the resources to allow its cash operations. Waweru stated, 'My petition to the government is to give us Ksh500 million for operations. At the moment, the company does not have enough seeds and planting materials for production.'
Pyrethrum, once a key driver of Kenya's foreign exchange, has seen a significant decline in recent years. In the 1990s, Kenya provided over 70% of the global supply of pyrethrum, with over 200,000 farmers. However, today, less than 20,000 farmers grow the crop, and annual earnings have dropped from KSh4 billion to KSh200 million.
The decline of pyrethrum farming can be attributed to piecemeal reforms and deep-rooted corruption. Farmers lack motivation to pursue pyrethrum farming due to delayed payments and insufficient planting materials. Furthermore, suspect tenders, illegal leasing of PPCK assets, and non-payment of workers have left the processor on its knees.
Despite the challenges, there is hope for the revival of pyrethrum farming. Joseph Waweru, the new MD, is looking to revive the company and the sub-sector, focusing on seed production. Waweru stated, 'In the coming year, we want to focus more on serious seed production. Currently, we are working on nurseries in Molo, Ngongangeri, Limuru, and Kabichbich in West Pokot.'
US investors are also looking to breathe life into the dying crop. US Ambassador, Kyle McCarter, encouraged farmers and investors to return to the crop, citing immense potential. McCarter stated, 'Pyrethrum is something that Kenya historically has seen a lot of prosperity from, and that market is coming back. We shall continue our support for agriculture and we have some US investors who are already in Kenya now to invest in pyrethrum. We want to encourage investors who left the country to return.'
