2,000 sorghum farmers reap from KBL initiative

At least 2,000 sorghum farmers across Kenya have benefited from a recent promotional campaign by Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL).

The farmers were reached through the three-month “Tuzidi Kuinuana” campaign linked to KBL’s Senator Keg brand.

While the promotion primarily targeted consumers, it also incorporated support for the company’s supply chain. Sorghum is a key raw material in the production of the beer.

As part of the programme, farmers received agronomy support and training on climate-adaptive farming practices aimed at improving yields.

Some groups were also supported to enhance storage capacity, a move expected to reduce post-harvest losses that often erode farmers’ earnings.

The campaign also channelled funds to selected farming groups through a prize-sharing model. Five consumers who won Ksh.1 million each were required to share the winnings with farmer-led Community Based Organisations (CBOs) of their choice. This directed funding to groups in counties including Tharaka Nithi, Kisumu, Siaya and Homa Bay.

KBL works with more than 45,000 contracted sorghum farmers across the country, positioning the crop as an important component of its value beer segment.

However, like many smallholder farmers, those growing sorghum continue to face challenges including climate variability, limited access to inputs and fluctuating market prices.

The campaign comes at a time when the government and industry players are pushing to curb the consumption of illicit brews by promoting regulated alternatives.

By linking the promotion to sorghum farming, the initiative also draws attention to the role of local agriculture in supporting formal alcohol production.