As part of ongoing efforts to promote agricultural diversification, the County Government of Uasin Gishu on Tuesday distributed 54,000 coffee seedlings to farmers in Tarakwa Ward under its expanding coffee development program. This initiative is a flagship project under Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii’s broader agricultural transformation agenda, anchored in the Nguzo Kumi blueprint.

The distribution exercise was led by County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Dr. Sam Kotut, who represented Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii during the event. He was accompanied by Chief Officer for Agriculture, Eng. Abraham Kiptalam, as they presided over the official handover at the Tarakwa Ward Office, where hundreds of enthusiastic farmers gathered.

“This program is not just about distributing seedlings; it’s about restoring coffee as a viable cash crop and a sustainable source of income for our farmers,” said Dr. Kotut, reaffirming the Governor’s commitment to revitalizing the sector. He encouraged farmers to take ownership of the initiative and assured them of continuous technical support through county extension services.

Chief Officer Eng. Kiptalam echoed the CECM’s sentiments, stressing the department’s focus on ensuring a 100% seedling survival rate through follow-ups, training, and a coordinated support system. “Our priority is not just to give seedlings, but to ensure they thrive. We’re establishing systems to monitor growth, manage pests, and link farmers to markets,” he said.

The Tarakwa event is among several similar rollouts across the county as Uasin Gishu accelerates its bid to reposition itself as a top cash crop producing region. The goal is to economically empower farmers and enhance foreign exchange earnings through value-driven agriculture.

Also present were Director of Agribusiness Mr. Joel Rutto, Director of Agriculture Mr. Kenneth Kili, and Coffee Officer Mr. Nicholas Maritim, all of whom affirmed the department’s readiness to support farmers throughout the entire coffee value chain from seedling to sale. Residents lauded the initiative and praised Governor Bii for reinvesting in agriculture, noting that coffee farming is regaining momentum as a key economic pillar, particularly among youth and smallholder farmers.