Once a dominant force in the global market, Kenya's pyrethrum sector is experiencing a significant resurgence, fueled by a combination of technological innovation, strategic government reforms, and growing international demand for natural pesticides. The revival of this once-thriving industry, which supports the livelihoods of thousands of smallholder farmers, marks a critical turning point for the nation's agricultural economy.

At its peak in the 1990s, Kenya controlled over 70% of the world's pyrethrum supply, a crop fondly nicknamed 'white gold' for its lucrative returns. However, the industry collapsed due to a myriad of challenges, including delayed payments to farmers, mismanagement at the former Pyrethrum Board of Kenya (PBK), and stiff competition from cheaper synthetic alternatives. This led to a drastic decline in production, from a high of 18,000 metric tons in 1992 to less than 500 tons annually in recent years.

Technological and Digital Overhaul

Central to the current revival is the adoption of modern technology across the value chain. Stakeholders are emphasizing innovation and digitization to overcome past hurdles. For instance, new solar-drying technology introduced in Nakuru County is enabling women farmers to improve the quality and quantity of their dried flowers, leading to higher incomes. This technology helps maintain the high pyrethrin content crucial for premium prices. Furthermore, private companies like Kentegra Biotechnology are providing farmers with high-quality seedlings and training on modern agronomic practices. Digital advisory services, using SMS and WhatsApp, are also being employed to disseminate information on soil testing and best farming practices, helping farmers increase yields.

The government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, has also committed to leveraging technology. As of July 2025, a digitized eVoucher subsidy system is set to be rolled out to improve the distribution of farm inputs like fertilizer and certified seedlings, enhancing traceability and reducing leakages.

Government Reforms and Private Sector Partnership

Policy and institutional reforms are proving critical. In July 2025, the government inaugurated a new board for the Pyrethrum Processing Company of Kenya (PPCK) to steer the sector's modernization and reclaim Kenya's global market position. This move is part of a broader strategy that includes investing in research, developing stronger market linkages, and reclaiming intellectual property rights for Kenya's organic pyrethrin. The Pyrethrum Act of 2013 was a key legislative reform aimed at streamlining the sector's governance and promoting efficiency.

The government's Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda targets increasing the area under pyrethrum cultivation from 9,362 acres in 2023 to 80,000 acres by 2027. This ambition is supported by both national and county governments. For example, Nakuru County has allocated funds to provide subsidized seedlings to farmers. The liberalization of the market has also allowed private players like Kentegra, Africhem, and HighChem to contract farmers, ensuring prompt payment and creating competition that benefits growers.

Economic Impact and Market Dynamics

The revitalization efforts are already bearing fruit. According to the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), the area under pyrethrum cultivation increased to 9,549 acres in 2024. Dried flower earnings rose significantly from KSh 236 million in 2022 to KSh 512.4 million in 2023, while earnings from pyrethrum extract grew from KSh 598.1 million to KSh 1.14 billion in the same period. The global demand for natural and organic pesticides is a major driver, with growing consumer consciousness about the environmental and health impacts of synthetic chemicals. A recent ban on over 77 harmful pesticides has further opened up the market for Kenyan pyrethrum.

Kenya's export markets are also diversifying. While Belgium remains a primary destination, South Korea and the United Kingdom have emerged as the fastest-growing markets for Kenyan pyrethrum extracts in 2024. In 2024, Kenya exported over 30,584 kilograms of refined extract.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

Despite the positive momentum, challenges remain. Access to affordable, high-quality planting materials is still a hurdle for many farmers. Limited access to finance also restricts farmers' ability to invest in necessary inputs. Furthermore, ensuring consistent and timely payments across the board remains crucial to maintaining farmer confidence. The industry must also contend with price volatility and competition from other global producers.

To ensure long-term success, sustained investment in research and development for higher-yielding, disease-resistant varieties is essential. Continued collaboration between the government, research institutions like KALRO, private processors, and farmers will be the cornerstone of rebuilding the 'white gold' industry to its former glory and beyond, securing a profitable future for hundreds of thousands of Kenyans.