The US government has pledged additional funding and technical support to revive Kenya’s financially troubled pyrethrum sub-sector.
Through US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman, the American government has promised to offer technical support to farmers through the Nairobi-based biotechnology company - Kentegra pyrethrum Refined Extract Capacity Extension project on the production of organic pesticides for domestic and agricultural use and provide certificate seedlings to farmers.
On Wednesday, Ambassador Whitman paid a visit to Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich, where she said Pyrethrum USAID was supporting farmers in pyrethrum growing zones to increase investment in production of the cash crop, after setting up another pyrethrum processing factory (in Naivasha) to promote the use of the organic pesticide.
“We are encouraging farmers to invest in high-quality pyrethrum for extraction of organic pesticide appropriate for human health and environmental use,” the envoy said at Governor Rotich’s office in Elgeyo Marakwet County Government headquarters in Iten town.
The US government has pledged to inject Sh1.6 billion to revive the pyrethrum industry after it suffered a blow when farmers uprooted the crop due to non-payment of their due.
The pyrethrum sector in the country received a major boost after Kentegra, put up a modern processing plant in Naivasha to motivate farmers to invest in the cultivation of the cash crop.
More than 40,000 farmers in Elgeyo Marakwet country have reinvested in pyrethrum production following the support of Kentegra company in partnership with the County government.
The government has announced plans to revive the trouble-ridden pyrethrum sector to enable Kenya to reclaim its glory as the world's leading pyrethrum producer.
Among the plans include an increase in producer prices from Sh58 to between Sh100 and Sh375 per kilo and sourcing of external funds to facilitate prompt payments.
Kenya controls 52 per cent of the American and Canadian market, 40 % in Europe, 6 % in Australia and Asia, and 2 per cent in Africa.
Among the pyrethrum-growing counties in the North Rift region include Uasin Gishu, Nandi, Elgeyo Marakwet, and West Pokot.
The American government has further pledged to support the cotton sector through the provision of high-quality cotton varieties to sustain supply of the raw materials as Kenya eyes opportunities in the African Growth and Opportunity (Agoa) market.
It is supplying high-quality Bt cotton after the Kenyan government allocated Sh60 million to motivate farmers to increase acreage under production from 40,000 tons in 2023 to 103,000 tons in the 24 cotton-growing counties.
“The initiative will help sustain operations of the textile industry and empower them to penetrate the Agoa market,” said the Ambassador.
Under the Agoa trade deal, Kenya has generated 500 million dollars and created 50,000 jobs annually as compared to some far east countries that are creating 4.5 million dollars and 500,000 jobs under the trade deal.
Governor Rotich said his administration has benefitted from American government support in health, Agriculture, and sports.
While meeting Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii, Ambassador Whitman took issue with the Kenya Kwanza administration over the ‘continued’ violation of human rights and the rule of law.
The envoy expressed concern over the disappearance and deaths of demonstrators by the Gen-Z-led protests who were agitating for change and asked the government to be committed to upholding the rule of rule and respect for human rights.
“We have held talks with the Kenyan government on why it should maintain the rule of law and human rights especially when dealing with advocators for change,” the ambassador said when she paid a courtesy call on Uasin Gishu Governor on Tuesday.
Ms Whitman said the violation of human rights and abuse of the rule of law by President Ruto-led administration was why the US Department of State Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy and Human Rights Uzra Zeya was recently in the country to deliberate the matter.
“We have a partnership with Kenya and the rule of law and human rights is among them. The trust will be upheld irrespective of the forthcoming American presidential elections,” added the envoy.
She reiterated the American collaboration with Kenya in the manufacturing and textile sector which creates over 200,000 job opportunities and annual revenue of more than one million dollars.
“The American government is still committed to its investment in Health, Education, Agriculture, manufacturing, and textile among other sub-sectors,” said the envoy.
Governor Bii said the elevation of Eldoret Town to city status gives local farmers the opportunity to tap emerging American markets for their agricultural products to earn better returns from the investment.
“There is a need for our farmers to embrace crop diversification and value addition to tap the American market for their agricultural products,” appealed Mr Bii.
He disclosed plans by his administration to collaborate with American firms in agriculture, education, manufacturing, and sports to create employment opportunities and propel the growth and development of the local economy.
