The County Government of Uasin Gishu, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, is set to conduct a countywide digital maize crop assessment to assess the extent of drought damage and inform timely interventions and policy decisions.

The assessment comes at a critical time, with Uasin Gishu’s 175,000 maize farmers cultivating approximately 118,700 hectares and producing more than 4.2 million 90-kilogramme bags of maize in a normal season. According to the Department of Agriculture, at least 30 per cent of the crop had already been severely affected by the prolonged dry spell two weeks ago, raising concerns over the county’s contribution to the country’s food security.

Speaking while hosting a technical team from the Ministry’s Kilimo House headquarters, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Dr. Sam Kotut, warned that the situation could deteriorate significantly if rainfall is not received soon. He noted that the maize crop is at a critical growth stage and requires adequate moisture to mature.

Dr. Kotut said the prolonged dry spell poses a serious threat to maize production in Uasin Gishu, underscoring the need for accurate and timely field data to support evidence-based interventions.

“The ongoing drought is threatening maize production in Kenya’s breadbasket. Through this partnership, we want to generate accurate and reliable field data that will guide timely interventions and informed decision-making,” said Dr. Kotut.

The national delegation, led by Deputy Director of Crops Mr. Protus Khiza and Roots and Tuber Crops Officer Ms. Naomi Khiara, said the assessment will utilise a digitised monitoring tool integrated with the Kenya Agricultural Information Management System (KIAMIS) to capture real-time data on maize crop performance across the county. The digital platform will enhance field reporting, data analysis, and evidence-based decision-making, enabling both the County and National Governments to implement appropriate interventions in response to the evolving drought situation.

A total of 110 agripreneurs will undergo immediate training before being deployed across Uasin Gishu to collect field data using the KIAMIS-linked digital platform. The exercise will provide a comprehensive assessment of maize crop performance and the extent of drought-induced stress across the county.

The findings of the digital assessment are expected to provide a reliable basis for planning appropriate interventions by both the County and National Governments as they work to mitigate the effects of the drought, strengthen food security and safeguard the country’s maize production.