The County Government has unveiled the Financial Inclusion for Youth and MSMEs in Agriculture (FIYMA) programme, a major initiative aimed at strengthening agriculture while expanding economic opportunities for youth and women.
The programme, which is being implemented in partnership with the County Government, is designed to support key agricultural value chains that are central to the region’s economy. These include dairy, livestock, poultry, fisheries, Irish potatoes, pulses, fruits, and vegetables. By focusing on these sectors, the initiative seeks to enhance food security, increase productivity, and improve household incomes across the county.
Speaking during the launch, Jonathan Bii Chelilim described the programme as a timely intervention that aligns with the county’s broader agenda of transforming agriculture into a modern, profitable, and inclusive sector. He noted that many young people and women face barriers in accessing affordable financing and technical support, limiting their ability to fully participate in agribusiness.
“The FIYMA programme is a game changer for our farmers. It will open up access to affordable financing, strengthen value chains, and empower our youth and women to actively engage in agriculture as a viable and sustainable economic activity,” said the Governor.
The five-year initiative is being implemented by the Micro Enterprise Support Programme Trust (MESP) and East Africa Market Development Associates, in partnership with NCBA and the Mastercard Foundation. Through this collaboration, the programme aims to bridge financing gaps while also equipping beneficiaries with the skills, tools, and market linkages necessary to grow their enterprises.
FIYMA Programmes Manager Monica Gachucha emphasized that the programme goes beyond access to credit, focusing on building resilient agricultural enterprises that can withstand market and climate-related challenges. She noted that a key component of the initiative is strengthening the capacity of smallholder farmers, cooperatives, and agribusinesses to operate more efficiently and competitively.
“We are committed to ensuring that beneficiaries not only access financing but also gain the knowledge and support needed to improve productivity, add value to their produce, and connect to reliable markets,” she said.
The programme is also expected to play a critical role in promoting inclusive growth by targeting underserved groups, particularly youth and women, who often face systemic barriers in the agricultural sector. By enhancing financial inclusion and supporting enterprise development, FIYMA is set to unlock new opportunities and drive sustainable livelihoods.
County officials have encouraged interested farmers, youth groups, women groups, and cooperatives to liaise with the Department of Agriculture and Cooperatives to access the programme and benefit from its offerings. They noted that strong collaboration between stakeholders will be key to ensuring the success and long-term impact of the initiative.
As the county continues to prioritize agriculture as a pillar of economic transformation, the FIYMA programme stands out as a significant step towards building a more inclusive, productive, and resilient agricultural sector.
