Ikirezi Transforms Tagetes Plants into Valuable Resources in Eastern Province

Residents of Gahara Sector, in Kirehe District, Eastern Province, say their lives have improved significantly thanks to their collaboration with Ikirezi Natural Products, a company that grows and processes plants once thought to be of no value, including Tagetes, locally known as Nyiramunukanabi.

Ikirezi produces essential oils through a distillation process from various plants such as organic geranium, lemongrass, rosemary, patchouli, eucalyptus, and tagetes. The company also plans to expand production to include artemisia, ocimum, lavender, and castor bean, sourcing raw materials both from its own plantations and from local farmers.

“I have been supplying tagetes to Ikirezi after collecting them from Gihira, Gatore, and Mushikiri sectors in Kirehe District, and Mutenderi, Kazo, and Gashanda in Ngoma District,” said Jean Rugirimpara, a resident of Gihira Sector. “I started this business in 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic, motivated by the income I earned from these plants. On good days, I could make up to Rwf10,000 per day.”

He added: “My life has changed. My colleagues and I used to live in extreme poverty, but we’ve managed to move out of that category thanks to this work. I now plan to grow tagetes myself so I can reduce the time spent collecting and supply them more efficiently.”

According to Isaac Rutibana, an extension officer at the Gahara site, 33 hectares of organic plants are currently under cultivation. The site employs around 70 people, including both permanent and casual workers.

“People here used to grow maize, potatoes, and sweet potatoes only for food,” Rutibana said. “Now, they can supply some plants to the processing facility and earn additional income. We also provide them with jobs, each worker earns Rwf 2,500 per day.”

These essential oils are used in a wide range of products, from aromatherapy and household cleaners to personal care items and natural medicine.

During a celebration marking 20 years of Ikirezi’s operations in Gahara Sector on October 5, 2025, Dr. Nicolas Hitimana, Managing Director of Ikirezi Natural Products, thanked the district administration for its continued partnership. He encouraged residents to keep collaborating with the company, assuring them that Ikirezi remains committed to providing job opportunities.

Bruno Rangira, the Mayor of Kirehe District, also expressed his appreciation to Ikirezi Natural Products for supporting various government development programs, including livestock distribution and health insurance coverage for vulnerable households.