President William Ruto has launched cocoa farming as a scheduled cash crop in Kenya, unveiling plans to distribute seedlings to farmers as the government seeks to boost agricultural incomes and expand tree cover.
Speaking during the Mazingira Day celebrations in Endebess, Trans Nzoia County, on Saturday, Ruto urged farmers in areas identified as suitable for cocoa cultivation to embrace the crop, saying it would create new economic opportunities while supporting environmental conservation.
“We have agreed that as we plant trees, we also want to plant trees with fruits,” Ruto said, announcing plans to promote cocoa farming alongside other tree-growing initiatives.
The President said the government was developing the cocoa value chain, including processing and the manufacture of chocolate and other products, to enable farmers to benefit from the crop beyond primary production.
He said the government had gazetted cocoa as a scheduled cash crop in 2024 and was working with agricultural research institutions to facilitate its production.
Ruto directed the relevant agencies to support farmers with cocoa seedlings and promote cultivation in areas mapped as suitable for the crop.
He said cocoa farming would complement the government’s tree-growing campaign by combining environmental conservation with income generation.
Ruto Targets 15 Billion Trees
The President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to planting 15 billion trees, saying the initiative was critical to tackling climate change, protecting forests and securing the country’s water resources.
Ruto announced that five million trees would be planted across Kenya on Saturday as part of the Mazingira Day commemoration.
He said increasing tree cover would help sustain rainfall, support agricultural production and strengthen food security.
“We must ensure our country does not suffer the consequences of climate change. We must also ensure we continue receiving rainfall so that we can farm, produce food and grow our economy,” he said.
The President urged Trans Nzoia residents to participate in tree planting, thanking Kenya Seed Company for supporting the exercise in the county.
Government to Distribute 5.2 Million Fruit Seedlings
Ruto also announced plans to distribute 5.2 million fruit tree seedlings across the country, saying the initiative would combine environmental conservation with food production and income generation.
He said planting fruit trees alongside other varieties would enable farmers to benefit economically while contributing to the country’s tree-growing targets.
The initiative is expected to encourage farmers to integrate fruit trees into their agricultural activities, particularly in areas suitable for different fruit varieties.
Ruto Backs Aerial Seeding to Expand Forest Cover
The President announced plans to expand aerial seeding to reach forests and other areas where conventional tree planting is difficult.
The initiative will use seed balls developed by the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) to distribute seeds in inaccessible locations.
Ruto directed the relevant ministry to plan for increased funding to expand aerial seeding in forests and other identified areas.
He said the approach would complement conventional tree planting and accelerate efforts to restore degraded landscapes.
Ruto Announces Push for Better Waste Management
The President also called for improved waste management, warning that poorly handled waste contributes to environmental degradation.
He said the government was working with relevant stakeholders to improve waste collection and disposal in urban areas.
Ruto said effective waste management would be essential to protecting the environment and sustaining the country’s conservation efforts.
Environment Cabinet Secretary Dr Deborah Mlongo Barasa said the initiative would harness Kenya’s favourable climatic and agronomic conditions to establish cocoa farming as a viable cash crop, linking environmental conservation with income generation and creating new economic opportunities for farmers.
“Research has shown that several counties in Kenya have suitable agronomic conditions for the growth of cocoa. Therefore, we are launching the cocoa value chain this Mazingira Day, turning environmental stewardship into economic empowerment and building a sustainable future from the ground up,” said Barasa.
