MAKUENI BREAKS GROUND FOR SH90 MILLION KENYA SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE CAMPUS.
Construction of a Sh90 million Kenya School of Agriculture (KSA) campus in Makueni County began Tuesday, with leaders saying the institution will strengthen agricultural training, create jobs and position the county as a regional hub for modern farming.
The Makueni campus, the 10th branch of the Kenya School of Agriculture, will serve the Lower Eastern region and is expected to open its first phase by November.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony at Kwakathoka, Makueni Gov. Mutula Kilonzo Jr. described the project as a major investment in the county’s people, particularly youth and farmers, amid rising demand for agricultural skills.
The governor said the institution would become a center for innovation, research and technology transfer, helping farmers adopt modern agricultural practices to address climate change and changing market demands.
He said the project would also stimulate the local economy by creating jobs during construction and operation, supporting local businesses and attracting investment into the county.
Mutula urged the contractor to prioritize local labor and locally available construction materials to maximize economic benefits for residents.
Principal Secretary for Agriculture Paul Kipronoh Ronoh said the project was made possible after sustained lobbying by the county government through the State Department for Agriculture.
Ronoh commended Mutula for his hands-on approach to development, saying the partnership demonstrated the importance of collaboration between the national and county governments.
He said sustainable agricultural development remains critical to Kenya’s economic growth and urged young people and farmers to embrace agriculture as a viable economic enterprise through a change in mindset.
He added that students enrolled at the institution would have an opportunity to benefit from an existing partnership with the United Kingdom government that offers paid agricultural internship opportunities abroad.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Ag. County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Irrigation, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development Damaris Kavoi, County Executive Committee Member for ICT, Education and Internship Japheth Musyoka Mang’oka, Muvau/Kikumini MCA Elizabeth Kawembe Mutinda, Thange MCA Erick Musyoki Katumo and other county and national government officials.
