The County Government of Uasin Gishu on Monday hosted the Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture for a consultative session on agricultural transformation and farmer empowerment.

Uasin Gishu, Governor H.E Dr. Jonathan Bii underscored his administration’s broader agenda of promoting agro-processing and strengthening extension services to empower farmers at the grassroots. He highlighted the need for fertilizer classification tailored to specific crops to boost productivity and improve soil management.

On exports, the Governor emphasized that the expansion of Eldoret International Airport will position Uasin Gishu as a regional export hub, enabling farmers to access international markets with ease. He further stressed the importance of securing competitive coffee prices to ensure fair returns for farmers.

The Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture was led by Chairperson Sen. David Wakoli Wafula, accompanied by Vice Chairperson Sen. Munyi Alexander Mundigi and Committee Member Sen. Catherine Muyeka Mumma. Committee Chairperson Sen. Wakoli commended the county for its transformative projects, while Vice Chairperson Sen. Mundigi and Member Sen. Mumma pledged the Committee’s support in strengthening policies and legislation that protect farmers’ interests.

The county showcased key milestones and flagship projects currently underway, including the construction of a modern coffee milling plant, the establishment of ward-based coffee pulping centers to support smallholder farmers, and the development of the County Potato Processing Plant in Ainabkoi Sub-County. Once operational, the potato factory is expected to unlock the potato value chain, provide reliable markets for farmers, and create jobs for local communities.

In Kapseret Sub-County, a milk processing plant is being set up to promote value addition, improve storage, and help dairy farmers secure better prices. The MoiSoy Maize Milling Plant also remains a priority project, with Governor Bii reaffirming his commitment to making the facility fully operational within his first term.

The county has also recorded significant progress in livestock and crop development. About a month ago, Uasin Gishu exported 50 in-calf heifers to Nigeria, reflecting growing confidence in its livestock breeding program. Additionally, the county has distributed approximately 700,000 coffee seedlings to farmers, targeting one million seedlings under Governor Bii’s administration an initiative aimed at reviving and expanding the coffee sub-sector.

CECM for Agriculture, Dr. Sam Kotut, reassured the Committee of the county’s commitment to strengthening farmer support systems and enhancing value chains.

The meeting was also attended by County Secretary Philip Meli, Chief of Staff Pius Jumba, CECMs Eng. Joseph Lagat (Health Services), Abraham Serem (Roads), Edward Sawe (Lands), together with Chief Officers and Directors from various departments, who all expressed their support for the county’s agricultural agenda.

The engagement reaffirmed Uasin Gishu’s position as a leader in advancing Kenya’s agricultural revolution, with county and national leaders working together to invest in innovation, value addition, and sustainable markets that improve farmer livelihoods.