The County Government of Uasin Gishu, under the leadership of Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii, on Wednesday launched the Commodity Market Exchange (CMX) in partnership with the National Government and private sector stakeholders.
This initiative is designed to strengthen farmers’ financial security and address persistent challenges in the agricultural sector.
Speaking at the launch on Wednesday, Governor Dr. Bii highlighted the transformative potential of the CMX platform, which aims to resolve long-standing issues such as price volatility and limited market access.
“As Kenya’s grain basket, Uasin Gishu has always played a pivotal role in agricultural productivity. The launch of CMX marks a significant milestone in our commitment to empowering farmers and ensuring they receive fair prices for their produce,” Governor Dr. Bii remarked.
The CMX initiative, championed by the county government, aligns seamlessly with the Nguzo Kumi development blueprint, which prioritizes agriculture as a cornerstone of the county’s economic growth. By providing farmers with a structured and transparent marketplace, the CMX platform will minimize exploitation risks and enhance pricing equity.
Principal Secretary for Trade, Mr. Alfred Ombudo, commended the county’s forward-thinking approach, describing the CMX as a vital tool for driving the national bottom-up economic transformation agenda.
“The CMX platform is inclusive and designed to address farmers’ challenges while fostering regional economic growth,” he said, reaffirming the government’s support for agricultural sector development.
County Executive for Agriculture, Mr. Edward Sawe, elaborated on the county’s agricultural strategies, which include crop diversification, improved market access, and reduced post-harvest losses.
“Through CMX, we are offering farmers guaranteed market access and fair pricing for their produce, securing Uasin Gishu’s position as a leader in agricultural innovation,” he stated.
Ms. Martha Cheruto, County Executive for Trade, hailed the initiative as a game-changer for the local agricultural community.
“The CMX platform empowers farmers by equipping them with tools and resources to access secure markets, ensuring Uasin Gishu remains competitive in agricultural production,” Ms. Cheruto said. She also emphasized the importance of collaboration with financial institutions to further support farmers’ growth.
To complement the CMX platform, Uasin Gishu County has invested heavily in infrastructure development, with a particular focus on post-harvest solutions. New storage facilities, such as the potato plant Ainabkoi Sub-County, aim to reduce post-harvest losses and provide farmers with the flexibility to store their produce until market conditions are favourable. These facilities not only preserve crops but also ensure a steady income for farmers throughout the year.
The CMX launch positions Uasin Gishu County as a national model for agricultural innovation. By equipping farmers with the resources needed to thrive in a secure and profitable market, the county underscores its commitment to a sustainable and prosperous agricultural future.
This initiative reflects a unified effort by the county and national governments to foster economic growth and empower the agricultural community, ensuring that Uasin Gishu remains a beacon of progress in Kenya’s agricultural landscape.
The event was attended by Acting County Secretary Ambrose Tarus, Chief Officers Mr. Elphas Kesio Agriculture and Victorine Kapkiai (Trade), and County Commissioner Eddison Nyale.
