Kisumu County has stepped up its efforts to enhance agricultural extension services with the launch of 26 motorcycles under the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP). The initiative, aimed at improving farmer outreach and supervision, brings the total number of motorcycles for ward-level agricultural officers to 35, covering every ward in the county.
Speaking during the launch on Wednesday, January 15, at the Kisumu County City Hall precinct, Governor Peter Anyang Nyong’o emphasized the critical role of the new motorcycles in transforming agriculture in the county.
“These motorcycles are a key tool to ensure our extension officers can effectively reach farmers with the advice and support they need. I urge all officers receiving them to resist the temptation to use them for personal errands,” Nyong’o stated.
Key Project Highlights
- Extension Services: The motorcycles will empower Ward Agriculture and Livestock Extension Officers to provide better advisory services and oversee agripreneurs in their respective wards.
- Agripreneur Recruitment: A total of 245 agripreneurs—seven per ward—have been recruited under a digital extension model to complement the county’s agricultural outreach. These agripreneurs will operate under the supervision of county officers.
- SACCO Support: Thirty-three SACCOs, one from each ward, have been selected to enhance productivity, with two more under registration. Twelve of these SACCOs have already received inclusion grants to establish infrastructure, including office spaces, bookkeeping support, and service automation.
- Marketing Cooperatives: Seventeen marketing cooperatives have been identified to bolster agricultural marketing efforts. Of these, four have advanced to develop concept briefs under the Enterprise Development Grant Window.
- Climate-Smart Investments: The county is making strides in sustainable agriculture with the establishment of a County Irrigation Development Unit. Efforts include registering five Irrigation Water User Associations (IWUAs) and preparing concept briefs for improving small-scale community-managed irrigation schemes in Alungo, South West Kano, and Nyachoda.
The governor also highlighted plans to support the Pur Ber Rice Farmers Cooperative Society and other farmer marketing cooperatives through additional grant applications submitted to the National Project Coordination Unit.
This initiative underscores Kisumu County’s commitment to enhancing productivity, sustainability, and economic growth within the agricultural sector.
