Pyrethrum value chain in Kenya: production, value and opportunities

Page 03 · Value chains

PyPyrethrum

Pyrethrum value chain dashboard.

Production

1.4kt

/yr · dried flower

Sector value

KES 1.8B

0.03%

Producers

~15,000 farmers

estimated reach

Current status

Pyrethrum is a natural insecticide raw material in which Kenya was once #1 globally. Sector collapsed by 2010s on KSI mismanagement; revitalization underway. Pyrethrins extracted are organic-certified pesticide.

Future trends

Pyrethrum Processing Co. (PPC, replacing KSI) revival 2023. Global organic-farming demand for natural pyrethrins growing. New variety releases.

Needs & gaps

Farmer trust eroded by past payment failures. Drying + extraction capacity needs rebuilding. Marketing channels to global pesticide industry.

Major actors

4 firms / bodies tracked

PPC (Pyrethrum Processing Co.)PROCAFAREGKALRO MoloR&DPyrethrum Growers AssocCOOP

Investment opportunities

3 actionable paths

Global organic-farming pyrethrin demand growth — Kenya price advantage if quality consistent.

New variety + improved drying = 3x yield uplift potential.

Direct-export contracts to major agrichemical buyers.

Pyrethrum through every value-chain lens

14 stages covered

Markets

Dried flower KES 380-540/kg; pyrethrin extract USD 220/kg.

Growing conditions

Cool highlands 2,000m+; rainfall sensitivity moderate.

Inputs & logistics

Improved planting material from KALRO; minimal fertilizer.

Production

Yields 280kg/ha smallholder vs trial 720.

Harvest & post-harvest

Hand-picking + sun drying; quality drives extract yield.

Aggregation

PGA + PPC supply chain.

Trade

Mostly export to global agrichemical buyers.

Processing

PPC extraction at Nakuru.

Retail

B2B industrial; no consumer retail channel.

Consumer

Industrial input; no direct consumer.

R&D

KALRO Molo variety + extraction R&D.

Mechanization

Hand harvest + sun drying; mechanical extraction at PPC.

Infrastructure

PPC drying + extraction capacity rebuilding.

Financing

AFC pyrethrum loans recently revived.