The administration has launched a Sh400 million initiative to supply genetically modified cotton seeds to growers across seven counties in a renewed effort to revitalize the domestic textile sector. The campaign, led by the Agriculture and Food Authority alongside Thika Cloth Mills, focuses on agricultural communities in Embu, Tharaka Nithi, Meru, Kirinyaga, Machakos, Makueni, and Kitui. This distribution coincides with the expected El Niño rainfall, with both public and private stakeholders relying on superior seed strains, better pricing, and secured markets to boost cotton yields. Growers in Mbeere North, Embu County, have praised the project, noting that providing seeds at no cost will reduce operational expenses and motivate more households to resume cultivation.
In Mutuobare, Kiambere Ward, local producers Francis Runje and Joseph Nyagah stated that this support relieves the financial strain that previously discouraged smallholder farmers. They mentioned that a kilogramme of Bt cotton seed historically cost about Sh4,000, creating a major barrier to acquiring adequate planting supplies. The growers observed that the upgraded seed matures within three monthshalf the time needed for traditional cottonwhile yielding more bolls and demonstrating higher resistance to harmful pests. They emphasized that the shortened growth cycle and enhanced harvests could significantly improve household earnings, especially with timely planting ahead of the seasonal rains. Furthermore, they encouraged neighboring farmers to take up cotton cultivation, asserting that government backing has restored their faith in the crop.
Thika Cloth Mills Chief Executive Officer Tejal Dhodhia noted that the national cotton sector is showing signs of recovery after years of diminishing output forced domestic textile mills to depend heavily on foreign imports. Dhodhia explained that her enterprise previously procured cotton from Uganda and Tanzania to maintain factory operations due to shortages in local supply. She credited the resurgence in cotton farming to persistent campaigns favoring domestic goods and state measures designed to enhance grower profits. She highlighted that President William Ruto mandate to raise the cotton purchase rate from Sh52 to Sh72 per kilogramme motivated many growers who previously abandoned the crop to return to farming.
This production surge has generated positive momentum among industry participants, who are now investigating prospects for exporting surplus harvests. Dhodhia shared that she has personally financed the acquisition and distribution of seeds and agricultural chemicals, noting that the latest state support will alleviate financial pressures on private investors. She reassured cultivators that Thika Cloth Mills and other industry partners are fully prepared to acquire their harvests at the established rate of Sh72 per kilogramme. Producers were encouraged to sow early and apply proper agronomic methods to optimize harvests, with Dhodhia stressing that the outcome of the campaign relies heavily on how well growers utilize the provided resources. She also appealed to citizens to back the national procurement initiative, emphasizing that purchasing domestically produced goods is essential for supporting industries and generating employment.
The manufacturer pointed to official supply agreements for uniforms for the security forces as proof of the economic benefits generated through domestic sourcing. Dhodhia stated that strengthening connections between agricultural producers and local processing plants will build a durable supply chain from farms to mills while decreasing dependence on foreign materials. Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire expressed support for the collaboration between state authorities and private investors, encouraging cultivators in Mbeere North and other agricultural zones to utilize the complimentary seeds and established markets. She promised that county leadership will collaborate with national authorities and commercial partners to boost agricultural output and uplift rural communities. Mbarire noted that cotton cultivation could serve as a primary economic catalyst in the area, provided that growers adopt superior seed varieties and plant ahead of the rains.
This renewed capital injection into cotton cultivation arrives as the administration works to reconstruct the national textile industry, which has faced challenges from insufficient domestic supplies and foreign competition. Industry observers indicate that expanding cotton production can elevate grower revenues, generate jobs within processing facilities, and reinforce the manufacturing economy. Ultimately, the effectiveness of this program will hinge on continuous availability to premium seeds, dependable buyers, attractive rates, and strong coordination among cultivators, state bodies, and processing enterprises.