Pyrethrum is a natural insecticide. The pyrethrum crop was once a major export commodity for the country with Kenya accounting for over 70% of the global production in the 1980s/90s, due to its high pyrethrin content. In Kenya, the crop is grown in 18 counties namely: Meru, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Kiambu, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Bungoma, West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Baringo, Laikipia, Nakuru, Narok, Kericho, Bomet, Kisii and Nyamira; with Nakuru, Nyandarua, West Pokot and Bomet leading.
Among the Pyrethrum producing counties, Nakuru, Nyandarua, West Pokot and Bomet lead in pyrethrum production. Since the liberalization of the sub-sector through the Crops Act, 2013, the industry has begun witnessing growing interest by growers and investors along the value chain. Currently, there are seven (7) licensed processing companies and more than twenty licensed commercial nursery operators. The interest towards the industry is also being witnessed by the amount of private investments and non-governmental agencies at all levels of the value chain.
In terms of crop production, new entrants have invested in agronomic research and development in conjunction with Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO).
