Uasin Gishu County has made a significant stride in strengthening its agribusiness sector through the Agribiz program, following a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the Kenya Climate Innovation Center (KCIC).

This collaboration has provided essential financial, advisory, and technical support to local agricultural entrepreneurs, enabling them to enhance their businesses.

The initiative aligns with the county’s broader strategy of partnering with development organizations to equip agricultural enterprises with vital skills and resources for sustainable growth.

Beneficiaries have received comprehensive assistance, including business plan development, refining business models, training in bookkeeping and financial reporting, sales and marketing strategies, financial statement preparation, value addition training, and benchmarking visits.

On Monday, officials from the County Government and KCIC concluded a five-day monitoring and evaluation exercise that began last Monday. The exercise was led by CECM for Agriculture Dr Sam Kottut, Chief Officer Mr Elphas Kesio, County Representatives Mr Wilbur Mutai, Director Fisheries Edna Kemei, Livestock Production Officer Judy Serem, alongside KCIC Senior Business Advisor Kevin Karim and Business Advisor Joy Adhiambo.

CECM Kott said that he witnessed firsthand remarkable progress made by beneficiaries during the visit From fish farming to value addition in dairy and innovative irrigation solutions.

He said that the impact of this initiative is evident in improved incomes, job creation, and economic resilience.

“The Agribiz program is more than just financial aid; it is a catalyst for sustainable agricultural transformation. By investing in skills, innovation, and market access, we are ensuring that our farmers not only thrive but also contribute to food security and economic growth in Uasin Gishu County.” – Dr. Kottut said.

During the visits, more than 24 beneficiaries shared their success stories, highlighting the program’s transformative impact on their agribusinesses.

Melsa Boke Chacha, a fish farmer in Tapsagoi Ward, received financial aid to expand her fish farming venture. The training allowed her to reduce feed costs by incorporating Azolla plants, sweet potato vines, and other feeding supplements.

Vision Achievers in Mois-Bridge Ward, a women’s self-help group with 14 members and over seven employees, utilized financial support to grow their milk value addition business, producing yoghurt, ice cream, and mala, while also receiving branding and market access assistance.

Matunda Rise and Shine Self-Help Group engages in poultry farming, feed formulation, and organic manure collection.

Taboiyat Kitwek Self-Help Group received funding to advance their agricultural initiatives.

Noah Kiprop Chombet, a tomato farmer since 2019, used financial aid to purchase two greenhouses, a water pump, two 5,000-liter water tanks, and a drip irrigation system. His increased earnings enabled him to build a three-bedroom house for his mother.

Kariron Farmers’ Cooperative Society in Kuinet/Kapsuswa Ward was supported in livestock feed mixing and provided with a feed mixer and other equipment, significantly increasing profitability.

Cup Coffee in Moiben Sub-County, facing water shortages, received funds for borehole drilling to improve irrigation.

Hobezmon Women Group in Racecourse Ward (Annex), involved in seedling propagation, benefited from financial support, capacity-building training, market linkages, and business advisory services.

Other enterprises that gained from the program include Jadina Fish Feeds, Gooseberry Delight, Alpha Farm, Saliamo Farm, Great Harvest Seedlings, S&J Garden, OEM Enterprise, Onesma Farm, Kiche Farm, and Eliza’s Cottage Industry, among others.

The partnership between the Uasin Gishu County Government and the Kenya Climate Innovation Centre is proving to be a game-changer for agribusinesses in the region.

By offering financial assistance, training, business advisory, and technical support, the Agribiz program is boosting productivity, enhancing livelihoods, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

As the monitoring and evaluation exercise concludes, it is evident that this initiative is paving the way for a more resilient and economically vibrant agricultural sector in Uasin Gishu County.