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Cotton stakeholders and farmers in Busia and Siaya have renewed calls for the government to establish local seed manufacturing centres to curb recurring shortages and delays in distribution.
The appeal came as over 30 tons of cotton seeds were distributed to farmers in the two counties by Thika Cloth Mills, a leading textile company partnering with the government under the “Buy Kenya, Build Kenya” initiative.
The seeds were procured by the government to support the cotton revival agenda and boost production.
In Busia, farmers hailed the move as timely, aligning with their planting season set for June. However, in Siaya, farmers expressed concerns over the delay in seed delivery, though they welcomed the support, noting “better late than never.”
“We appreciate the government and Thika Cloth Mills for this gesture, but the long-term solution lies in establishing local seed production centres. The delays we face every season only discourage potential cotton growers,” said Milly Odemba, a farmer in Siaya.
Thika Cloth Mills Cotton Development Manager, Hesmond Olwenyi, echoed the farmers’ sentiments, calling on the government to empower institutions like the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) to start local seed production.
He emphasized that, the call for localized seed manufacturing remains central in ensuring sustainability, timely planting, and national textile competitiveness.
“Most cotton-growing countries produce their own seeds, which makes them affordable and readily available,” Olwenyi said.
“We’ve spent a lot purchasing BT seeds for farmers, yet the returns have been negligible. The government’s intervention in procurement and tendering for disciplined forces’ uniforms to local industries is a step in the right direction.”
He said they are the ones making garments for kdf, police, nys and others urging Kenyans to embrace “Buy Kenya build Kenya initiative.
Olwenyi also noted that the new seed variety sourced from Cameroon is well-suited for Kenya’s climate and urged farmers to take advantage of the ongoing rains for planting.
In Siaya, County Director of Agriculture Isaac Munyendo announced the county’s ambitious plan to cultivate 50,000 acres of cotton this year, up from last year’s 26,000 acres, which injected over Sh18 million into the local economy. However, he admitted the seed shortage could hamper their target.
“We remain optimistic that with the national and county governments’ continued support, next year’s season will be better,” said Munyendo.
Munyendo said the joint efforts between the government and stakeholders like Thika Cloth Mills reflect a growing momentum to revive Kenya’s cotton industry.
Farmers like Milcent Akinyi emphasized the need for policy consistency and serious investment in the cotton value chain, recalling a time when cotton ranked second only to coffee in national importance.
“People are willing to grow cotton again, but without consistent access to affordable seeds, our efforts will fall short,” she said.
Her sentiments were echoed by Simon Ondolo from Rarienda, Busia and Milcent Akinyi from Siaya who said cotton was the cashcrop for empowering the poor.
