County Government of Laikipia

Rose Geranium is an ornamental shrub that grows in most areas of Laikipia County. The oil from the crop has strong antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.

The crop matures after four to six months and produces at least four times a year. Its low cost of production and minimum labor requirement make it more viable in the county to have more economic benefits to farmers. It does very well with minimum rainfall, thus adding more reasons for Laikipia farmers to adopt it as the county is a semi-arid area.

Horizon Business Ventures(HBV) has contracted over 50 farmers in Solio with the support of officers from the Department of Agriculture to produce the crop, providing a ready market for the farmers. HBV processes Rose Geranium to essential oil. The total yield on an eighth acre is approximately 15000 kilograms. A kilo sells at Kshs. 13-15.

The crop is harvested at least three times in a year. The profitability of rose geranium beats all other crops grown in the semi-arid region of Solio and most dry parts of Laikipia County.

Rose geranium farming has enhanced diversification and economic resilience among the farmers. With proper farm planning, the farmers in Solio have fully utilized the 0.5 acres where they settle and have household water pans that they use to irrigate the crop.

Farmers in Mukogodo East, Mukogodo West, and parts of Segera have also been practicing Geranium farming successfully.