The United States Government on Monday, July 9, reiterated its commitment to revive Pyrethrum farming in Kenya.
Speaking during the groundbreaking of a processing plant in Nakuru City, US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman affirmed that the US has lined up initiatives aimed at resuscitating pyrethrum production in the country.
The initiatives, according to Whitman, include lobbying for private investment in the sector.
The US will support the construction of a processing plant in the region in a project worth about $10 million.
Further, the US will contribute an additional $12 million meant to finance activities in the revival of the pyrethrum production.
On her part, Nakuru County Governor Susan Kihika who was also present at the groundbreaking welcomed the US commitment noting that it would benefit over 90,000 small scale farmers.
Furthermore, the revival of pyrethrum production in Kenya is set to create employment opportunities in the farming and processing stages.
Pyrethrum farming in Kenya, a Forgotten Treasure
Plans to revive pyrethrum production is music to the ears of farmers and other stakeholders who suffered losses from poor production over the past two decades.
In their speeches, leaders recounted how pyrethrum put Kenya on the global map in the 90s when the East African nation accounted for a huge chunk of pyrethrum exports in the world.
However, the production of pyrethrum suffered successive challenges mainly due to diseases and the high cost of production stemming from farm inputs.
In December, 2022, Ambassador Whitman promised to ensure the sector is up after visiting Nakuru County. Whitman noted that revival plans will also feature other nations interested in farming of pyrethrum.
The U.S government has strong business and bilateral ties with Kenya, which spans for decades.
In April 2023, the two countries signed agreements to boost the economy and create more opportunities for citizens.