Kirinyaga County has intensified efforts to promote healthier and more sustainable food production by supporting 400 farmers to transition into organic farming, a move driven by rising global demand for chemical-free produce. Governor Anne Waiguru said the farmers—drawn from 14 groups and now federated into a cooperative—are being equipped with skills, market linkages, and financial support to scale up their ventures. She noted that the shift comes at a time when health-conscious consumers are increasingly opting for food grown without synthetic chemicals, making organic farming both a public health necessity and a lucrative economic opportunity.
Organic farming in the county has gained momentum amid growing concerns over excessive agro-chemical use and rising cancer cases whose exact causes remain unclear. County Executive for Agriculture Dr. John Gachara said the administration has adopted organic production as a key pillar of sustainable farming, with plans to increase the number of participating farmers to at least 700 by the end of the year. The county is conducting continuous training to ensure farmers adhere to strict organic standards, while also helping them benefit from premium prices in local and international markets. According to Dr. Gachara, avoiding chemical fertilizers and pesticides not only reduces production costs but also protects farmers and consumers from long-term health risks associated with chemical exposure.
Farmers who have already embraced the model say the results have been transformational. Purple cabbage grower Henry Muriuki, who has practiced organic farming since 2019 in Kimunye, said demand for organic produce far outweighs supply, giving farmers strong bargaining power through their cooperative. Another farmer, Newton Kariuki, highlighted the profitability of the practice, noting that organic goods fetch higher prices and are increasingly sought after by health-conscious households. George Maina, also an organic farmer, added that the approach has lowered input costs and improved the nutritional quality of produce. Governor Waiguru affirmed that her administration will continue strengthening the sector through training, monitoring, and cooperative support, positioning Kirinyaga as a frontrunner in sustainable agriculture and food safety.