Mr. Joseph Waweru, the new Managing Director of Pyrethrum Processing Company of Kenya (PPCK), today paid a courtesy call to Nakuru County Chief Executive Officer,Governor Lee Kinyanjui.
They discussed ways in which they can collaborate in the revival of this critical sector.
Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui is optimistic that the pyrethrum sub-sector will soon be back on its feet following the revival strategies put in place by the decentralized unit in partnership with state agencies and private sector players.
Revival of the Pyrethrum sector remains critical to our agenda.
Lee Kinyanjui Nakuru County Governor
In an effort to give a new lifeline to the high potential multi-billion sub-sector, the governor indicated that his administration was working with four state-owned agencies in the research and development of disease-resistant and high-yielding pyrethrum seed varieties to enable farmers to obtain higher returns.
The institutions are responsible for ensuring that farmers receive clean planting material, including Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), Kenya Pyrethrum Processing Company (PPCK) and Egerton University.
As a County Government we have allocated Ksh 35 million this Financial Year to boost propagation of the crop as part of our revival strategy.
Lee Kinyanjui Nakuru County Governor
Dr. Immaculate Njuthe Maina, Member of the County Executive Committee for Agriculture, said that part of the funds will be channeled into subsidizing agricultural activities in the sub-sector and supplying farm inputs and planting materials to cash crop growers within the devolved unit.
The funds will also make it easier for pyrethrum farmers to transfer technical expertise.
She noted that the commitment of the national government to reviving the sector through the allocation of billions of shillings, the establishment of legal frameworks and the development of a functional separation task force resulted in more farmers throughout the country adopting the crop.
Dr. Maina said that 3,000 farmers from less than 250 farmers from three years ago are currently planting the crop in the region.
Pyrethrum is now a crop that is liberalized. We have discussions with some partners that will support farmers by providing inputs and also sign market agreements with our farmers. In Kenya, Kentegra contracted 2,200 farmers
Agriculture County executive member.
Dr. Maina said that Nakuru County will continue to engage top officials from other growing areas of Pyrethrum to create a bloc that would also enhance their marketing power.Nyandarua, Nyeri, Kiambu, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Kisii, and West Pokot are growing counties seeking to form the bloc.
Others include Nandi, Baringo, Laikipia, Narok, Kericho, Bomet, Kisii, Bungoma, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, and Meru.
Nyandarua, Nyeri, Kiambu, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Kisii, and West Pokot are increasing counties that aim to form a bloc. Others are Nandi, Baringo, Laikipia, Narok, Kericho, Bomet, Kisii, Bungoma, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, and Meru.