Reviving Pyrethrum Industry: Launch Of A New Board, Digital Subsidy System And Market Reforms To Boost Agriculture
Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development Mutahi Kagwe with chairman, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) Dr Thuo Mathenge with other stakeholders at Nakuru Show on Friday. Photo/Courtesy.
By MoALD
The government has launched a fresh drive to revive pyrethrum industry, with Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development Mutahi Kagwe inaugurating the new board of the Pyrethrum Processing Company of Kenya Ltd in Nakuru.
Speaking at the official opening of the 2025 Nakuru National Agricultural Show, on Friday, the CS said the move is part of a broader strategy to reclaim Kenya’s position in the global pyrethrin value chain, while also transforming the sector to meet modern market demands.
“Our goal is to revive this sector by addressing both supply and demand and by innovating to meet the needs of an increasingly aspirational, environmentally and health-conscious consumer,” said Kagwe.
He announced ongoing investments in research, production, and market linkages for Kenya’s world-renowned organic pyrethrin. The ministry is also reclaiming intellectual property rights and key assets to ensure that farmers and the country benefit fully from revenue and royalties.
Kagwe noted that the recent ban of over 77 harmful pesticides and restriction of more than 100 others presents an opportunity for pyrethrum to bridge the supply gap. He urged both local and international investors to source from Kenyan farmers, process locally, and help create jobs while raising incomes.
The CS also highlighted new interventions to support farmers across various value chains. He revealed that discussions are at an advanced stage to waive duty on imported yellow maize and soya, two key inputs in the manufacture of livestock feeds, to lower production costs for farmers.
In addition, the government is preparing to roll out a digitised eVoucher subsidy system that will integrate with other platforms to deliver agricultural inputs such as fertiliser, livestock vaccines, and artificial insemination services.
This system, set to launch in the next four weeks, will enhance traceability, reduce distribution costs, and ensure greater accountability.
“These reforms are designed to put more money in the pockets of farmers. By combining innovation, strategic investment, and digital tools, we are transforming agriculture into a truly modern, profitable sector,” Kagwe affirmed.
Before officially opening the ASK show, the CS went round several exhibition stands where he was accompanied by among others, chairman of Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) Dr Thuo Mathenge.
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