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Government Revitalizes Pyrethrum Sector with Inauguration of New PPCK Board in Nakuru
In a significant move to bolster Kenya’s agricultural sector, the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Hon. Mutahi Kagwe, officially inaugurated the newly constituted Board of Directors for the Pyrethrum Processing Company of Kenya (PPCK). The ceremony, held in Nakuru, marks a pivotal step in the government’s broader strategy to rejuvenate the pyrethrum industry, a once-thriving sector with immense economic potential.
During his keynote address, CS Kagwe extended his congratulations to the newly appointed Board, led by Chairman Granton Samboja, underscoring the critical responsibility entrusted to them in spearheading transformative reforms within the pyrethrum value chain. He emphasized that the Board’s leadership will be instrumental in restoring the industry’s former glory while positioning Kenya as a global leader in pyrethrum production.
Strategic Government Initiatives for Pyrethrum Revival
CS Kagwe outlined the government’s comprehensive roadmap for revitalizing the pyrethrum sub-sector, anchored on the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). The ambitious plan seeks to expand pyrethrum cultivation from 4,000 acres in 2022 to 9,624 acres by 2027, significantly increasing dry flower production from 942 metric tons to an estimated 10,718 metric tons within the same period. This expansion is projected to elevate export earnings to Ksh 5.9 billion by 2027, providing a substantial boost to farmers’ incomes and the national economy.
The Cabinet Secretary reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting pyrethrum farmers through enhanced access to high-quality seedlings, modern farming techniques, and reliable market linkages. He further highlighted ongoing collaborations with key stakeholders to streamline production, processing, and export operations, ensuring Kenya reclaims its position as a dominant force in the global pyrethrum market.
Key Dignitaries in Attendance
The inauguration ceremony was graced by prominent figures in the agricultural sector, including:
Dr. Bruno Linyiru, OGW, Director General of the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA)
Ms. Grace Kyalo, Director of the AFA – Miraa, Fibre, Pyrethrum, and Other Industrial Crops Directorate
Their presence underscored the multi-agency approach being adopted to drive the pyrethrum revival agenda, with a strong emphasis on policy alignment, research, and value addition.
A New Dawn for Pyrethrum Farmers
The revitalization of the pyrethrum industry is expected to create thousands of jobs, empower smallholder farmers, and stimulate rural economies. With the new PPCK Board now in place, stakeholders are optimistic about the sector’s future, anticipating improved governance, increased investment, and sustainable growth.
As Kenya moves towards achieving its agricultural transformation goals, the pyrethrum sub-sector stands out as a key pillar in the nation’s quest for food security, industrialization, and export diversification. The government’s unwavering support signals a renewed hope for farmers and investors alike, setting the stage for a thriving, globally competitive pyrethrum industry.