Ruto Launches Cocoa Farming in Kenya, Promises Farmers Cheaper Seedlings

President William Ruto has launched cocoa farming as a scheduled cash crop in Kenya, encouraging farmers in suitable areas to embrace the new opportunity. The announcement was made on Saturday, October 10, during Mazingira Day celebrations at Elgon Downs in Endebess, Trans Nzoia County.Ruto said the government would support farmers by providing cocoa seedlings and working with agricultural institutions to increase their supply. He revealed that the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) had conducted research and prepared seedlings for planting.

The President said the government would work with KALRO and the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) to ensure farmers could access enough seedlings. Each seedling costs KSh200, but Ruto promised to consider subsidies to make them more affordable. He urged farmers in areas suitable for cocoa farming to prepare for the programme.

Ruto explained that cocoa farming could help farmers increase their household incomes while supporting environmental conservation. He also highlighted opportunities to establish local industries that process cocoa into products such as chocolate and beverage mixes, including Bournvita and Milo.

The move follows the government’s November 2024 decision to classify cocoa, mung beans, jute and cocoyam as scheduled crops. The decision was part of a strategy to diversify agriculture, improve production and expand export opportunities. The classification also provides a framework for regulating and promoting the crops.

Kenya has a small cocoa industry compared to major producers such as Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. However, the country ranked 26th globally in cocoa production and exported cocoa worth approximately KSh2.45 billion in 2022. The new initiative could help farmers explore another source of income and create opportunities for local processing and trade.

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