More than 1,000 cotton farmers in Yatta, Machakos County, have received pesticides and modern spraying equipment under a government-backed initiative aimed at increasing cotton production and improving livelihoods in semi-arid regions.
The programme, implemented through the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), targets farmers from several cotton-growing clusters, including Ndalani, Kisiiki, Kiwanzani, Nthungululu, Mbembani, Kivingoni and Kakongo.
Officials say the intervention is intended to reduce production costs, improve pest management and increase yields as the government seeks to revive cotton farming in drought-prone areas.
Cotton emerging as a key economic crop
Speaking during the distribution exercise, National Cotton Growers Union Director and Ndalani Cotton Farmers Cooperative Society Chairman Francis Kilango said cotton and sunflower farming offer sustainable economic opportunities for communities facing unpredictable rainfall.
“Leaders, whether elected or aspiring, should support farmers to embrace resilient crops such as cotton and sunflower. These crops perform well even in areas with unreliable rainfall and offer better returns to farmers,” Kilango said.
He noted that cotton has become a major source of income for many households in Yatta, helping farmers remain productive despite recurring dry spells.
Farmers welcome modern spraying equipment
Local farmers praised the government’s support, saying the newly distributed generator-powered spraying machines will significantly improve pest control while lowering labour expenses.
Farmer Daniel Nzioki said access to modern equipment will help increase productivity and reduce losses caused by pests.
“The spraying machines will make our work easier and more efficient. We expect better yields and lower production costs,” Nzioki said.
Farmers also urged authorities to continue providing subsidised farm inputs, extension services and modern technologies to sustain growth in the cotton sector.
Call for quality cotton seeds
Despite welcoming the support, farmers expressed concerns about poor germination rates experienced during the previous planting season.
According to Nzioki, many growers suffered losses after receiving seeds that failed to perform as expected.
“We are appealing to the government to provide Bt cotton seeds before the October planting season. Quality seed will increase yields, reduce production costs and protect farmers from unnecessary losses,” he said.
Farmers believe access to improved seed varieties will enhance productivity and strengthen the ongoing revival of cotton farming in Machakos County.
Shift toward drought-tolerant crops
Cotton cultivation has gained momentum in Yatta as farmers increasingly move away from crops heavily dependent on rainfall.
Many growers are now investing in drought-resistant crops such as cotton and sunflower to supplement income earned from traditional staples like maize and beans.
Farmers attribute the sector’s growth to increased government support, improved market opportunities and growing awareness of cotton’s commercial value.
Kajiado resolves hundreds of land disputes
Meanwhile, Kajiado County has successfully resolved at least 280 land disputes through the Alternative Justice System (AJS), offering residents a faster and community-driven approach to settling longstanding conflicts.
The system relies on councils of elders and religious leaders to mediate disputes, provided decisions comply with constitutional provisions.
Speaking in Isinya, Kajiado Governor Joseph ole Lenku said the resolution of the cases has enabled many residents to move from holding allotment letters to obtaining certificates of lease.
“The resolved cases have enhanced certainty, protected property rights and restored public confidence in land administration,” Lenku said.
County intensifies land ownership reforms
Lenku said his administration remains committed to addressing historical land challenges that have slowed development, including cases of double allocation.
The governor revealed that lease titles have already been issued in Kajiado, Isinya, Noonkopir and Bulbul townships, while similar exercises are underway in Kiserian, Ongata Rongai, Olooloitikoshi and Kimuka.
“We have issued lease titles to plot owners in several townships, while similar exercises are ongoing in other areas across the county,” he said.
He added that the county government has developed and validated physical and land-use plans for numerous trading centres to guide urban development, improve service delivery and attract investment opportunities.
The initiatives, Lenku noted, are expected to strengthen land ownership rights, reduce disputes and support orderly growth across Kajiado County.
