Nandi County Governor Stephen Sang, through the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCPD), has unveiled 210 young agricultural entrepreneurs who are set to play a pivotal role in enhancing agricultural practices within the region. These entrepreneurs will provide essential extension services starting next year, aiming to improve the quality of agricultural production and promote sustainable growth in the sector.
The NAVCPD is a community-driven initiative designed to increase market participation and value addition for small-scale farmers in Kenya. Governor Sang emphasized the importance of agriculture as a key sector that requires significant investment to improve both the value and quantity of agricultural produce. He reiterated the county government’s commitment to investing in agriculture to support farmers and ensure the sector’s progress.
During the unveiling ceremony, held at the Eliud Kipchoge Sports Complex grounds, Governor Sang encouraged farmers in Nandi to take full advantage of the newly trained agricultural entrepreneurs. These individuals are equipped with the necessary skills to help farmers enhance their productivity and add value to their agricultural products, including crops and animal products. The governor highlighted that by utilizing these entrepreneurs, farmers would not only increase their yields but also improve the overall quality of their produce, leading to higher income levels.
In addition to boosting agricultural productivity, the initiative also creates employment opportunities for the youth in the county. Governor Sang emphasized that agripreneurship would play a significant role in transforming the agricultural sector, contributing to the economic growth of both the county and the country as a whole. He urged farmers to work closely with the new agripreneurs, who are passionate and knowledgeable about the sector, to help drive positive change.
The governor also unveiled a fleet of motorbikes that will be used by agricultural extension officers to facilitate their mobility to remote and interior areas of the county. This initiative is aimed at ensuring that essential services, such as farmer training on improving productivity, reach all corners of Nandi, including areas that are typically difficult to access. By providing agricultural extension officers with the necessary means to travel to these areas, the county government hopes to bridge the gap between farmers and the support they need.
Governor Sang further addressed concerns regarding the upcoming national animal vaccination program, urging farmers to disregard any negative propaganda surrounding the initiative. He emphasized that vaccinating animals is crucial for preventing diseases and ensuring that livestock remain healthy, which in turn leads to increased productivity and better quality products. The governor assured farmers that the county government is committed to supporting them in all aspects of agriculture, including disease prevention, to enhance the sector’s growth.
Dr. Kiplimo Lagat, the County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, also spoke at the event, highlighting the importance of strengthening the agricultural value chain. He announced that the county government had signed a memorandum of understanding with various organizations, including Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOs), Farmers Produce Organizations (FPOs), Community Driven Development Committees (CDDCs), and the Kenya Sustainable Potatoes Institute (KSPI). These partnerships are designed to support the agricultural entrepreneurs by providing them with the resources and opportunities needed to succeed.
Lagat explained that SACCOs and FPOs would collaborate with the agripreneurs to help them access inputs and financial support for their work. He stressed that once the agripreneurs are trained, they would be able to identify opportunities where funding is available to support their activities. This collaboration aims to ensure that the agricultural entrepreneurs have the necessary tools and resources to implement their training effectively, thereby contributing to the growth of the agricultural sector in Nandi County.
The county government is also focused on ensuring that its flagship agricultural projects are fully operational. Governor Sang and Dr. Lagat both reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting these projects and working with farmers to increase their productivity. The ultimate goal is to ensure that local agricultural produce meets the demands of the processing sectors within the county, reducing the need to source products from neighboring regions.
Through these initiatives, the county government of Nandi is taking significant steps to modernize agriculture, improve productivity, and empower the youth. By investing in agricultural entrepreneurship, enhancing value chains, and providing the necessary resources and support to farmers, Nandi County is poised to become a leader in sustainable agricultural development in Kenya.
