A pyrethrum plant. [Photo/MyGarden]
An American company is set to invest in the pyrethrum sector, raising hopes of reviving the sector.
Kentegra Biotechnology was successful in its application to extract, process and sell pyrethrum products when the industry was liberalised four years ago.
The entry of these company brings down a monopoly market that was enjoyed by the State-owned Pyrethrum Processing Company of Kenya, Nakuru.
Kentegra Biotechnology chief operating officer Scott Sweat has said the company hoped to work with thousands of new and existing pyrethrum farmers.
“Kenya used to dominate the world supply of pyrethrum and we want to bring that back. There are many opportunities in the global market to help us do that,” said Sweat is quoted by Nation.Focus on Kenya
“We are working with partners in the US, Europe and Asia to promote sales,” he said.
Kentegra Biotechnology chief technical officer Peter Mwaura said the company had planted 45 acres of pyrethrum and would increase the acreage to 100.