Tejal Dhodhia, the Managing Director of Thika Cloth Mills (second from left), displays a cotton spraying machine. Photo/Courtesy
By Lawrence Ongaro
Residents of Lamu County have intensified cotton farming as the crop, often referred to as “white gold,” continues to receive growing priority.
The development has prompted the government and private investors to strengthen the cotton sector in different parts of the country.
Recently, residents of Mpeketoni at the Coast received BT cotton seeds, pesticides, and other essential farming equipment aimed at boosting cotton production.
The government, through the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), distributed 3,000 kilograms of cotton seeds, 10,000 storage containers, and 16,000 specialized spraying machines.
The main objective is to improve cotton farming in Lamu County and other cotton-growing regions across the country.
Farmers call for more support
Farmers said that despite receiving the farming supplies, especially cotton seeds, they still expect additional support to meet the growing demand.
They noted that cotton farming has continued to expand rapidly, improving trade and livelihoods, particularly in the coastal region and nearby Mombasa.
The farmers urged the government to continue supporting them to help achieve their agricultural goals.
AFA Chairman Cornelly Serem said the private sector would continue making efforts to ensure farmers access BT cotton seeds and pesticides.
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He added that cotton farming is important because it will revive many textile industries in the country and help Kenya become self-reliant in manufacturing its own products.
The Managing Director of Thika Cloth Mills, Tejal Dhodhia, said her company has been supporting farmers in Lamu County and other parts of the country with cotton seeds.
She said that in April 2027, the company purchased and distributed six tonnes of BT cotton seeds worth KSh21 million, mainly to farmers in Mpeketoni.
Ms Dhodhia praised William Ruto for prioritizing cotton farming and supporting the establishment of textile industries in the country.
Government’s support
She said the government has taken the lead, for the first time since the era of Uhuru Kenyatta, in purchasing cotton seeds, pesticides, and other vital farming equipment for farmers.
According to her, close cooperation between the government and private investors will help textile industries thrive and further boost the economy.
The director added that the price of cotton has already increased from KSh52 to KSh72 per kilogram, giving cotton farmers renewed hope for economic growth and better livelihoods.
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Lamu Deputy Governor Mbarak Mohamed said the county government has allocated KSh7.5 million for the purchase of cotton seeds and plans to increase the allocation to KSh12 million in the next budget.
He said the county aims to make Lamu County the leading cotton-producing region in the country.
Currently, Lamu boasts about 10,000 cotton farmers, with the government pledging continued support to help them expand production further.
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