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President William Ruto has announced the rollout of cocoa farming as a scheduled cash crop, opening a new opportunity for farmers in areas identified as suitable for cultivation. The initiative was launched during Mazingira Day celebrations at Elgon Downs in Endebess, Trans Nzoia County, on Saturday, October 10, 2026.
The government plans to distribute cocoa seedlings and expand their production through partnerships with agricultural institutions. The programme is intended to help farmers diversify their income sources while supporting environmental conservation.
Government Plans Seedling Distribution
Ruto said the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) had already conducted research and prepared seedlings for planting. A partnership with the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) is also planned to increase the supply available to interested farmers.
Each seedling was priced at Ksh200, although the President indicated that subsidies could be considered to make the planting materials more affordable. Farmers in designated growing areas were encouraged to prepare for the programme and consider adding cocoa to their existing agricultural activities.
The government has presented the crop as an opportunity to combine commercial farming with tree planting. Cocoa trees could provide farmers with an additional source of income while contributing to wider environmental conservation efforts.
Farmers Could Benefit From Cocoa Processing
Beyond selling harvested cocoa, farmers could benefit from the development of local processing industries. Ruto highlighted products such as chocolate and beverage mixes, including Bournvita and Milo, as examples of goods that can be made from cocoa.
Expanding local production and processing could create opportunities across the agricultural value chain, although the benefits will depend on successful cultivation, reliable markets and investment in processing capacity. Farmers will also need suitable growing conditions and access to appropriate planting materials.
Cocoa Was Classified as a Scheduled Crop in 2024
The launch follows the government’s November 2024 decision to classify cocoa, mung beans, jute and cocoyam as scheduled crops under its agricultural diversification strategy. The classification provides a framework for regulating production, marketing and trade while supporting the development of the respective crop industries.
Kenya’s cocoa sector remains relatively small compared with major global producers such as Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. The country exported cocoa valued at approximately Ksh2.45 billion in 2022, while shipments to Indonesia reportedly increased by 80 per cent year-on-year.
The latest initiative is expected to support efforts to expand cocoa cultivation and explore opportunities for value addition. Its progress will depend on the availability of seedlings, suitability of farming areas and the development of reliable markets for locally produced cocoa.
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