The County Government of Uasin Gishu is taking a major step toward transforming its agricultural sector, with more than 11,000 farmers registering for a new coffee farming initiative aimed at boosting incomes and building long-term wealth.

The county government recently introduced an online application system to streamline access to coffee seedlings, drawing an overwhelming response from local farmers. A total of 11,211 applicants successfully registered before the portal was closed to pave the way for the next phase verification.

Officials say the program is part of a broader strategy to promote high-value crops as a pathway to economic empowerment and climate resilience.

On Monday, Ward Agricultural Officers (WAO) across all six sub-counties underwent training conducted by officers from the Climate Change Unit(CCU) and the ICT department. The training focused on the criteria and procedures for verifying applicants to ensure only eligible farmers benefit from the initiative.

According to the guidelines, applicants must have farms located within Uasin Gishu wards and should have already prepared their land by digging coffee planting holes. Farmers are also required to provide personal details that match their national identification records. In addition, the program excludes those seeking replacement seedlings, and prohibits multiple applications based on the same prepared land—such as separate submissions by spouses for one farm.

County officials noted that the verification process is critical in identifying genuine beneficiaries and maintaining transparency in the distribution of coffee seedlings.

The verification exercise is set to begin across all wards, after which farmers will receive SMS notifications informing them of their application status.

The initiative aligns with the county’s development agenda under the “Nguzo Kumi” blueprint, which prioritizes diversification into high-value crops to strengthen household incomes and enhance climate adaptation.

Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim has previously underscored the importance of the shift, describing it as a cornerstone of economic empowerment and a key driver in building sustainable wealth for residents of the county, popularly known as the City of Champions.