President William Ruto officially launched cocoa as a scheduled cash crop on October 10 during Mazingira Day celebrations at Elgon Downs in Endebess, Trans Nzoia County.
In a move that surprised many farmers, Ruto announced Kenya will now grow its own chocolate crop.
The government formally listed cocoa under the Crops Act in November 2024, and now the rollout has begun.
Speaking in Kitale, the President said cocoa offers a rare double win. As a tree crop, it supports the 15 billion trees target while putting real money in farmers’ pockets.
He noted an acre of cocoa could earn up to Sh500,000 compared to about Sh35,000 from maize.
The state has mapped about 5.4 million hectares in agroecological zones 3 and 4, including parts of Rift Valley, Western and Lake Victoria basin, as suitable for cocoa.
To get farmers started, the government will distribute seedlings immediately.
KALRO has already researched and prepared planting materials, and will partner with KEPHIS to scale up supply.
Seedlings currently cost Sh200 each, but Ruto said the price will be lowered and a subsidy considered to make them affordable.
From cocoa, he said, Kenya can make chocolate, beverage mixes like Milo and Bournvita, and other products for local and export markets.
