KERICHO, Kenya – Kericho County is headed towards regaining its former status as one of Kenya’s leading producers of pyrethrum.
Nearly 20 years have passed since farmers in Kipkelion East Sub County’s fertile areas—such as Londiani, Tendo, Sorget Kedowa, and portions of Chepseon Ward—replaced the once profitable cash crop with other crops like maize, potatoes, and tobacco.
Pyrethrum prices fell sharply in the mid-2000s due to the use of synthetic insecticides by America, Kenya’s largest net export market, and poor management of the Kenya Pyrethrum Board, which pushed farmers to forsake the crop in favour of growing maize and potatoes to make quick money.
However, it is now emerging that pyrethrum is the exciting new frontier crop with the potential of causing a massive generational impact not only in Kericho but across Kenya.
With technological advancement, research and development, partnerships and improved governance, pyrethrum farming has significantly gained its lost glory.
To further similar efforts, the County Government of Kericho and Kentegra Pyrethrum Company recently held a farmers’ sensitisation and mobilisation meeting at Kalyet Secondary School in Kipkelion Wast Sub County.
How the Kericho County government is supporting pyrethrum farmers
Kericho County is known for its tea plantations and high altitude, which are favourable for pyrethrum farming.
During the meeting, graced by the Chief Officer for Agriculture and Fisheries, Betsy Kirui, farmers had the opportunity to hone their farming skills and were introduced to new ways of enhancing crop production.
Betsy reaffirmed the government’s commitment towards enhancing agricultural extension services as well as the provision of subsidized assorted seedlings to farmers.
When Governor Eric Mutai took office in October 2022, the Kericho County Government began the project by providing more than 4000 bags of Pyrethrum seedlings, which helped more than 3000 farmers grow more than 4000 acres of the profitable crop.
After Nakuru and Bomet, Kericho is now the third-largest producer of pyrethrum, with over 90,000 kg produced last year, bringing in Sh28 million for the farmers.
As farmers begin harvesting later this year, Kericho could overtake Nakuru and Bomet after the more than 4000 acres planted in November 2022—thanks to the seeds given out under the Equaliser Seedlings Program—mature.
“It pleases me that our farmers are excited about the cash crop. This is the game-changer that will boost the economy of our county. We’ll keep helping our farmers grow more so they can make more money,” said Governor Mutai.
Why the Kericho County government has partnered with a US-based firm
The county boss reiterated that he was happy to announce that as of September of this year, the devolved unit will have met its production goal of 320,000 kg.
“These will yield our farmers more than Sh100 million. As one of the few regions with a high extractable pyretic content of 1.5–2.0, we can pay our farmers Sh310–370 per kilogram,” the governor stated.
According to Governor Mutai, they have also enlisted Kentegra Biotechnology Holdings, an active buyer that offers farmers technical assistance, fertiliser, and seeds.
A US-based business called Kentegra contracts with farmers and purchases dried flowers from them.
In August 2017, it signed an investment agreement with the Kenyan government and began operations in Kenya.
“Instead of choosing a flower variety that grows once a year and is preferred by developed nations, Kentegra is said to have chosen a variety that produces a flower every two weeks for 10 months in the year,” added the governor.
What the Kericho County government and Kentegra Biotechnology Holdings agreed
Under the terms of the agreement with the ready buyer, the county boss said, farmers will receive their payments via M-Pesa within three days of delivering their produce, ensuring farmers are financially empowered.
Governor Mutai added that this gives farmers regular cash flow (they are paid a week after delivery) and protects their crops with a shorter growth cycle.
In the 1930s, British colonists brought pyrethrum cultivation to Kenya. They determined that the country’s high-altitude areas were most suited for growing this crop because of the right soil and temperature.
The main application for pyrethrum is the production of natural insecticides, which are prized for their ability to combat a variety of pests. When combined with its biodegradability, this feature makes pyrethrum safer for both people and animals than synthetic substitutes.
Pyrethrum is frequently found in homes as an eco-friendly remedy for pest issues in insect control solutions such as sprays, coils, and powders. In terms of agriculture, organic farming prefers to use insecticides based on pyrethrum to manage pests.
What are the other notable uses of pyrethrum
This is because pyrethrum insecticides are more environmentally friendly than synthetic ones.
Last but not least, pyrethrum-based mosquito control solutions are used in public health initiatives to drastically slow the spread of vector-borne illnesses, including malaria. To efficiently target mosquito populations, these programs frequently use pyrethrum in a variety of formulations, including sprays and treated nets.
Pyrethrum is also used in pet care products to cure ticks and fleas, providing a natural and safe substitute for chemical treatments that are harmful to animals. This wide variety of uses emphasises how crucial and adaptable pyrethrum is for advancing health and safety across a range of industries.
Kenya is one of the world’s top producers of pyrethrum, and its goods are in great demand across the US, Europe, and Asia.
Growing awareness of the negative effects that synthetic chemicals have on the environment and human health has led to a rise in the demand for natural insecticides.
As more farmers and homes look for environmentally friendly pest management options, the market for pyrethrum-based products is growing locally as well. Because of these two factors, there is a strong market for pyrethrum, which guarantees farmers a consistent income.
