The government, in partnership with the private sector, has announced plans to roll out BT cotton seeds to farmers in Lamu County in a major boost aimed at revitalizing cotton farming and strengthening Kenya’s textile value chain.
The move comes amid strong private sector support for the region’s cotton industry, with Thika Cloth Mills (TCM) having purchased cotton worth KSh 335 million from Lamu farmers during the last season—an indication of the county’s growing importance in national cotton production.
Speaking to cotton farmers during a stakeholders’ engagement forum in Mpeketoni, Principal Secretary for Agriculture Dr. Paul Rono assured farmers of the government’s commitment to ensuring access to high-quality seeds and modern farming technologies to enhance productivity and incomes.
Dr. Rono said the introduction of BT cotton seeds will help farmers effectively combat pests, significantly reduce production costs, and improve yields.
He emphasized that the initiative is part of a broader strategy to restore cotton as a dependable cash crop for farmers in arid and semi-arid regions.
“Our goal is to empower cotton farmers with the best technology and inputs available so that cotton can once again become a reliable source of livelihood,” said Dr. Rono. “The government will continue working closely with the private sector to strengthen the entire cotton value chain, from production to marketing.”
His remarks were echoed by Thika Cloth Mills Chief Executive Officer Tejal Dhodhia, who reaffirmed the company’s commitment to partnering with the government to revive the cotton industry.
She said TCM, as a major stakeholder in the value chain, remains focused on supporting farmers through guaranteed markets, fair pricing, and strategic collaborations.
Ms. Dhodhia revealed that during the last season alone, TCM and other buyers purchased 3.5 million kilograms of cotton worth KSh 335 million from Lamu farmers, highlighting the county’s strong production capacity.
“Lamu County produced the highest amount of cotton in the country last season, and this clearly demonstrates the huge potential the region holds if farmers are supported with the right inputs and technologies,” she said.
Lamu Farmers Cooperative Union Chairman Migwi Mwangi welcomed the planned rollout of BT cotton seeds, describing it as a timely intervention that could help revive an industry that had nearly collapsed in previous years.
“The cotton sector was on its knees, but with renewed support from both the government and private players like TCM, farmers are regaining hope,” said Mwangi. “This partnership gives us confidence that BT cotton seeds will transform livelihoods and restore Lamu’s status as a leading cotton-producing region.”
The rollout of BT cotton seeds is expected to mark a new chapter for cotton farming in Lamu, positioning the county as a key driver in the revival of Kenya’s cotton and textile industry while creating jobs and improving incomes for thousands of farmers.
