Barasa lunches Agripreneurs model to boost food security, wealth creation

Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has launched the second cohort of the Kakamega County Agripreneurs programme Model.

 The programme seeks to empower the youth and transform agriculture into a profitable, tech-driven enterprise to create jobs for young people.

 The launch follows the successful training of 420 young agripreneurs under the Know Your Farmer platform, equipping them with digital tools, agribusiness skills and practical knowledge to support farmers across all the 60 wards of the county.

 The programme is being implemented in partnership with the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP).

 Speaking during the launch at Mumias Cultural Centre in Mumias West, Barasa said agriculture remains a key pillar of his development agenda.

 The governor said the Agripreneurs will serve as extension officers to the 283,000 farmers already recruited on the programme under the Kenya Integrated Agricultural Management Information System digital system, enabling efficient input distribution, livestock vaccination and market access.

 He said the recruits will collect data and engage the farmers for the next 18 months to help them digitise their activities.

 The county has also strengthened over 7,700 Common Interest Groups and 20 Farmer Producer Organisations, with plans to expand Saccos and improve access to affordable credit through collective marketing, he said.

 He highlighted progress in revitalising agro-industries such as Mumias Sugar, Matawa Fertiliser Plant and Lugari Maize Mill, with upcoming launches of Madala Tea and Malava Dairy factories.

 He also urged farmers to venture into diversification in coffee, avocado, poultry, beekeeping and dairy to improve food security and household incomes.

 Also present were county commissioner Mwangi Meru, MCAs led by speaker James Namatsi, county executives, NAVCDP representative Merina Atsiaya and other senior government officials.