Chilli farming in Kenya has gained popularity due to high demand, with regions like Eastern, Coastal, Rift Valley, and parts of Central Kenya being suitable for cultivation. Major varieties include bird's eye, African bird's eye, and Habanero chilies.
However, despite offering great returns for both small-scale and commercial farmers and the fact that it can grow almost everywhere in the country, many consider chili just as an additional flavor to food.
The government is actively promoting chili farming as a driver of economic growth, particularly in regions like Makueni County, and has taken steps to support farmers, including focusing on export markets and addressing challenges like pest management.
Speaking during a farmers' exhibition in Kandara, Kenya Agricultural Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) Director of Crops System, Dr. Lusike Wasilwa said that Kenya exploits only half of its potential to produce, with the United States of America, Netherlands, Germany, Russia, UK, Canada, France, UAE and Poland having great potential to buy Kenyan chili.
Read more at Kenya News Agency