Small-scale farmers in Kwale county have received 5,000 hybrid coconut seeds after years of relying on low-quality traditional ones.
The seeds were distributed by the county government to boost production.
More than 1,000 farmers from all the 20 Kwale wards received the seeds.
Coconut is a major cash crop in the region, but farmers have for many years been recording low yields due to poor farming techniques, low-quality seeds and the felling of coconut trees due to old age and for construction.
Speaking at Kwale headquarters, Governor Fatuma Achani said the county is committed to reviving coconut farming and capitalising on opportunities to boost the economy and improve people's lives.
The crop is the most dominant at the Coast and is one of the region's tourist attractions, with visitors enjoying madafu (coconut water).
The coconut fruit is also used to make juice, oil and cake, while the leaves are used for thatching and basket weaving, among other things.
"My administration is working to make sure farmers have access to a variety of certified coconut seeds to increase yields," the governor said.
Achani said many investors want to invest in coconut products fully, but production is low. The governor said numerous products can be derived from coconut trees and their fruits, which are largely untapped.
She said the county plans to procure more hybrid seeds from India in the next financial year to boost coconut farming in Kwale.
Achani said the hybrid coconut is the best for business because it matures faster and has high yields.
The governor said the new variety will encourage investments in coconut farming and create employment opportunities for Kwale people.
She said the county will continue to train and capacity-build local farmers to effectively venture into coconut farming.
Achani said coconut farming is part of her agenda in ensuring food and nutrition security.
She urged the farmers to take advantage of the ongoing rains to plant many coconut seedlings.
Tsimba Golini MCA Omar Mwaboza said the coconut seeds distribution is critical in countering coconut shortage and enhancing income.
He cautioned residents against misusing the seedlings, saying the county has heavily invested in the programme.
Mwaboza urged residents to protect the coconut trees and stop felling them for timber.
"Coconut trees are cut for timber every day, but now young coconut trees are being destroyed," he said.
Mwaboza said coconut farming used to be a source of livelihood for many families but due to poor farming methods and yields, the crop was abandoned.
The ward rep urged farmers to prepare themselves adequately because investors are readily available.
Farmers representative Athman Mohamed praised the governor for providing them with seedlings just as the rains continue. He advised farmers to take advantage of the programme to boost coconut and food production.
