Busia Governor Paul Otuoma has shifted the county’s focus to ward-based agriculture through the innovative Ward-Based Agriculture Sector Driven Rural Revitalization Programme (WASRERP). This initiative is poised to transform the rural landscape of the border county by tapping into its latent agricultural potential and mitigating the adverse effects of the collapsed textile and fishery sectors.
Governor Otuoma’s administration is taking a holistic approach by connecting agricultural producer organizations directly to markets, a strategy designed to halve the county’s poverty rate from 70% to 35% by 2027. This objective aligns with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 1.1, which seeks to eradicate extreme poverty for all people by 2030.
“The programme aims to reduce the proportion of Busia county’s rural population below the poverty line by half, from 70 per cent to 35 per cent, by the year 2027,” Otuoma told the Star. “This objective aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 1.1, which seeks to eradicate extreme poverty for all people worldwide by 2030.”
One of the cornerstone measures of this initiative is the implementation of a subsidy program offering ploughing services at Sh2,500 per acre—Sh1,000 less than the prevailing market rate. This subsidy aims to cover 20,000 acres and benefit approximately 150,000 registered farming households. The administration’s goal is to contribute to a 50% reduction in poverty while ensuring food and nutrition security for over 142,000 farming households by 2027.
“Under this plan, we have established multipurpose cooperative societies at the ward level aimed at streamlining the delivery of services to farmers,” said Governor Otuoma.
Despite facing criticism for his association with President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration, Otuoma remains steadfast, highlighting the tangible benefits of his collaboration with the national government. This partnership has seen significant economic initiatives implemented in Busia, including the multimillion-dollar Malaba-Malakisi water and sewerage project at Amoni.
“I am working hard in Busia and when I engage with the President, some people insinuate that I’m compromised. Why can’t they judge me by the fruits of my actions?” Otuoma questioned, defending his strategic alliances.
President Ruto has shown a vested interest in Busia, having visited the county three times since taking office in 2022. These visits have spurred the launch of several key projects aimed at uplifting the region’s economic status.
Busia’s strategic shift to agriculture under Governor Otuoma’s leadership represents a pivotal effort to address poverty and bolster food security. As the county harnesses its agricultural potential and strengthens market linkages, it sets a precedent for sustainable rural development and economic revitalization. The success of WASRERP could serve as a model for other regions facing similar challenges, reinforcing the importance of innovative and collaborative approaches in the fight against poverty.
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