Kenya: The Researchers Building Kenya's Cotton Industry From The Seed Up

Researchers at Kirinyaga University in central Kenya are investigating whether the country can produce its own Bt cotton seed locally. The trials, which began in September 2025, aim to establish if Bt cotton seed can be produced locally and whether cotton can become a perennial crop, remaining productive for multiple seasons instead of being replanted each year.

The project involves planting both male and female parent plants on separate demonstration farms, followed by hand-pollination during the flowering stage to facilitate seed production. Workers are trained to select female plants with non-sticky bolls for seed production, as these plants are deemed suitable. Once the seeds are collected, they undergo laboratory testing to ensure they are true to type, viable, and healthy, and retain the intended Bt trait.

The final step will be determining whether the locally-produced seeds meet the required quality standards. If successful, local seed production could significantly lower cotton production costs, with Dr. David Kabata, one of the researchers, estimating that prices could potentially drop by half. This development is crucial for Kenya's cotton industry, as access to affordable and adequate seed is central to efforts to expand production.

However, while local production could bring down costs, the final price will depend on the efficiency and scale of the production and distribution system. Furthermore, local seed production alone will not solve all challenges facing cotton farmers, and investment in other aspects of the value chain, such as extension services, gineries, and cottage industries, is also necessary.