NGPU
May 7, 2025
Over 3,800 Acres Under Cultivation as Nakuru Leads Revival Drive
Written by Mercy Kihugu and Roy Lumbe
Nakuru County has intensified efforts to revive pyrethrum farming, with 3,884 acres currently under active cultivation across eight sub-counties. Over 10,000 farmers have been engaged, producing 1,273 metric tonnes of pyrethrum worth Sh236.9 million.
To support this growth, the County has distributed more than 51 million seedlings valued at Sh147 million, including 9 million seedlings worth Sh31.8 million supplied to 1,653 farmers in the 2024/25 financial year alone.
Governor H E Susan Kihika joined Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, and Nyandarua Governor Moses Kiarie Badilisha in Elburgon, Molo Sub-County for the launch of certified pyrethrum seedlings and a farmers’ field day.
Governor Kihika acknowledged key partners in the revival, including KALRO, PPCK, Kentegra Ltd, DanChurch Aid, NCCK, and Good People International. She added that KALRO Molo is establishing a tissue culture lab for continuous seedling production, while plans are underway to set up a dryer and aggregation centre in Kuresoi/Molo and a pyrethrin testing lab by AFA.
The County is also promoting the cooperative movement by forming the pyrethrum union, licensing nurseries, and small-scale value addition, including mosquito coil production in Molo and Subukia.
She urged farmers to use certified seedlings, engage with extension officers, and form cooperatives to boost their bargaining power.
Nakuru County is seeking to increase the acreage under pyrethrum to 30,000 acres across the eight pyrethrum growing Subcounties.
Mr Koskei commissioned the distribution of 1,000,000 pyrethrum seedlings to promote pyrethrum farming in Nakuru, Nyandarua, Elgeyo Marakwet, and West Pokot counties.
This initiative, supported by AFA, is part of ongoing efforts to improve production, productivity, and farm incomes for pyrethrum farmers.
In his remarks, the Hon. Koskei lauded farmers and urged the private sector to offer better prices while calling on counties to increase investment in extension services. CS Kagwe emphasized the need for strong public-private partnerships to drive growth in the pyrethrum sector.
AFA Director General Dr. Bruno Linyiru, OGW, said the field day, themed “Clean Planting Materials for Increased Productivity,” was designed to equip farmers with skills and knowledge to boost production and productivity in the value chain.
He emphasized the importance of clean planting materials for the growth of the agricultural sector, reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring farmers’ access to quality planting materials through robust regulations and enhanced accessibility support.
