Pyrethrum farmers in Nakuru County have a reason to smile following the move by county government to launch solar dryers.
The event was graced by Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, alongside Kuresoi North MP Alfred Mutai.
The official launch of the National Pyrethrum Solar Dryers and Farmers Field Day in Gacharage, Sirikwa Ward, Kuresoi South Sub-county is a boost to farmers.
According to County Government, the distributed dryers will help farmers improve drying conditions and pyrethrin content, enhancing post-harvest handling and the quality of pyrethrum.
Speaking during the event, Governor Kihika emphasized that pyrethrum is a flagship project for Nakuru.
She added that her administration remains committed to restoring its former glory and ensuring the value chain regains its market value and top income earner status for farmers.
Historically, Nakuru County produced about 70 percent of the country’s pyrethrum, with a potential production of 12,000 metric tons.
It should be noted that since 2018, the County Government of Nakuru has distributed 42,066,978 pyrethrum seedlings to 7,262 farmers, worth Kshs 144,276,583.
Kihika stated that pyrethrum could once again become a leading foreign exchange earner for the country, with significant potential for employment and wealth creation, aligning with Vision 2030 and the National Government’s Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
In Nakuru, pyrethrum is produced in eight out of 11 sub-counties, covering an estimated 3,047 acres.
Current production stands at 1,490 metric tons, generating Kshs 298 million for Nakuru farmers.
Governor Kihika encouraged farmers receiving the solar dryers to maintain the equipment properly and join cooperatives to strengthen their position in the value chain.
This would allow them to benefit from economies of scale and collective bargaining.
She at the same time called on the national government to expedite the national pyrethrum policy to streamline pyrethrum farming.
The event was also graced by Deputy Governor David Kones, County Secretary Dr Samuel Mwaura, Chief of Staff Dr Peter Ketyenya, KALRO Director General Eliud Kireger, AFA Director General Dr. Bruno Linyiru, AFA Chairman Cornelly Serem, Nakuru County Assembly Members, CECMs and Chief Officers, Nakuru Pyrethrum Caucus Members, pyrethrum farmers, and locals.
