The government has renewed efforts
to revive Kenya’s once-thriving pyrethrum industry with the inauguration of a
new board for the Pyrethrum Processing Company of Kenya (PPCK).
The launch was led by Agriculture
and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe during the official
opening of the 2025 Nakuru National Agricultural Show.
While addressing farmers,
stakeholders, and county officials, Kagwe said the move is part of a broader plan
to reclaim Kenya’s position in the global pyrethrin market and to modernise the
sector.
He explained that pyrethrum, a
natural insecticide extracted from flowers, holds new promise in light of
changing global preferences for safer, environmentally friendly pest control
options.
“Our goal is to revive this sector
by addressing both supply and demand. We must innovate to meet the needs of
today’s health-conscious and environmentally aware consumers,” Kagwe said.
He pointed out that the government is investing in research, production, and building stronger market linkages for Kenya’s organic pyrethrin.
In addition, the ministry is reclaiming intellectual property rights and key assets to ensure farmers benefit more from revenue and royalties.
Kagwe noted that the recent ban on 77 harmful pesticides and restrictions on more than 100 others have opened up a market
gap that Kenyan pyrethrum can help fill.
He encouraged both local and foreign
investors to source products from Kenyan growers, process them locally, and in
turn create jobs and boost farmer earnings.
The Cabinet Secretary also addressed
broader agricultural issues. He said that talks are underway to remove duty on
imported yellow maize and soya, two primary ingredients in animal feed.
This, he said, would help reduce
production costs for livestock farmers.
To enhance service delivery, Kagwe
said the government is set to roll out a digitised eVoucher subsidy system
within four weeks.
The system will integrate input distribution,
including fertiliser, vaccines, and artificial insemination services.
It aims to improve traceability, cut delivery
costs, and eliminate leakages.
“These reforms are about putting
more money in the hands of farmers,” Kagwe said.
“By combining innovation, investment, and digital systems, we are transforming agriculture into a modern, profitable sector.
