CFAO Group, through the Toyota Kenya Foundation, has partnered with the First Lady, Mama Rachel Ruto, to offer crucial training in tractor operations, agribusiness, and leadership skills. The initiative, set to unfold across 12 counties in 2025, is expected to enhance the mechanization and efficiency of farming, especially in regions that are yet to fully embrace modern farming techniques.
The Nakuru County edition of the program was successfully concluded on Friday at the Nakuru Agricultural Training Centre, where 150 women and youth were trained and certified. This marks a significant step in bridging the gap in agricultural knowledge, particularly among young people and women, who traditionally provide much of the manual labor in farming.
Despite Africa possessing the world’s most unutilized agricultural potential, the continent struggles with a relatively low level of mechanization compared to other parts of the world. According to statistics, between 50% to 85% of farm work across Africa is still carried out manually using hand tools, a situation that significantly hinders productivity and growth in the agricultural sector. In light of this, mechanization has become a key agenda, with the Kenyan government under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) keen on improving agricultural processes to boost productivity.
The partnership between CFAO and Mama Rachel Ruto aims to equip participants with the skills necessary to leverage modern technology and mechanized farming techniques. In addition to the technical training in tractor operations, the program also focuses on leadership skills, preparing participants for roles in the wider agribusiness ecosystem.
Leonard Bor, Nakuru County’s Executive Committee Member in charge of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Cooperatives, commended the initiative, stating that it would significantly increase the number of skilled agricultural professionals in the region. “This partnership will not only equip the participants with essential skills but will also contribute to the growth of a more vibrant and capable agricultural workforce,” Bor said.
Arnold Kipchumba, Director of Environment and Climate Action at Mama Doing Good, emphasized the importance of acknowledging the critical role women and youth play in agriculture. He added that knowledge-driven agricultural productivity is key to overcoming challenges and maximizing the potential of Kenya’s agricultural sector.
Through this partnership, CFAO and the First Lady are laying the foundation for a more mechanized, efficient, and sustainable agricultural future for Kenya, ultimately enhancing food security and economic growth in the years to come.
