Agriculture

Makueni Deputy Governor Makueni-H.E Lucy Mulili has urged farmers to embrace modern farming technologies, innovation, and value addition to enhance agricultural productivity, improve household incomes, and strengthen food security across the county.

Speaking during the second day of the 2026 Makueni Agricultural and Trade Fair at Makindu Showground on Friday, Mulili said empowering households with practical farming knowledge, modern technologies, and market-driven production is key to building resilient families and creating sustainable livelihoods.

She noted that the annual exhibition continues to provide a valuable platform where farmers interact with experts, learn modern agricultural practices, access quality farm inputs, and explore new market opportunities that can transform farming into a profitable enterprise.

The exhibition showcased a wide range of innovations and household-focused farming practices, including climate-smart agriculture, poultry production, apiculture (beekeeping), kitchen gardening, agroecological farming, livestock management, farm mechanization, irrigation technologies, value addition, agribusiness solutions, financial services, and agricultural research aimed at boosting food production and environmental sustainability.

Mulili further commended development partners, exhibitors, and agricultural stakeholders for their continued investment in innovative solutions that are empowering farmers, improving productivity, and strengthening agricultural value chains across the region.

She also applauded the vibrant entertainment that accompanied the exhibition, congratulating the upcoming musicians who graced the event for their outstanding performances and encouraging them to continue nurturing their talents.

The event brought together county leaders, government officials, farmers, exhibitors, development partners, and stakeholders from Makueni, Kitui, and Taita Taveta counties to showcase innovations in agriculture, livestock production, agribusiness, and value addition, while promoting knowledge exchange and regional collaboration in the agricultural sector.

Innovation, technology and agribusiness opportunities came alive as the 2026 Makueni Agricultural and Trade Fair officially opened at Makindu Showground, with climate-smart farming and value chain development emerging as the major attractions for hundreds of farmers, investors and trade enthusiasts.

On the first day of the show, exhibitors showcased modern farming technologies, climate-smart farming practices, quality seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, irrigation systems, farm machinery, livestock production technologies, value addition, post-harvest handling, financial services, agribusiness solutions and locally manufactured products.

Speaking during the official opening of the three-day exhibition, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to positioning Makueni as a leading agricultural powerhouse through investment in smart farming, value chain development and market access.

The innovations are aimed at increasing awareness on productivity, reducing production costs, enhancing food security and creating sustainable income opportunities for farmers.

Mutula further expressed confidence that the county is steadily earning its place among Kenya’s top agricultural producers, with the sector playing a key role in improving household incomes and driving economic growth.

These exhibitions features latest agricultural technologies, certified seeds, modern irrigation systems, farm machinery, livestock innovations, quality agrochemicals, greenhouse technologies, post-harvest solutions, value addition, financial and insurance services, agribusiness advisory, trade innovations and locally manufactured products.

Additionally, the innovations are empowering farmers to boost productivity, reduce losses, improve food security and unlock profitable markets.

The first-day ceremony that culminated with awarding of stunning exhibitors brought together County Executive Committee Members led by acting Agriculture CECM Damaris Kavoi, Members of the County Assembly led by Majority Leader Kisungi wa Katete, national government representatives, development partners, exhibitors and local leaders, all united in advancing agriculture as the engine of Makueni’s economic transformation.

Led by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr and county leaders, Makindu Showground is alive with innovation as the 2026 Makueni Agricultural & Trade Fair brings together farmers, exhibitors, traders, and innovators for a vibrant showcase of agricultural excellence.

Makueni County has continued to strengthen its dairy sector through the implementation of the Artificial Insemination (AI) Programme, aimed at improving dairy herd genetics, increasing milk production, boosting household incomes, and enhancing food and nutrition security.

The workshop that involved County Veterenary Officers, Dairy Cooperative leaders and Service providers focused on semen quality assurance, supply chain management, breed improvement strategies and data recording and reporting systems.

Speaking during the AI Stakeholders Engagement Workshop, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture Damaris Kavoi said the forum was convened to strengthen coordination among stakeholders and improve the efficiency of AI service delivery across the county.

During the forum, organized dairy groups received grants from the County Government to strengthen their dairy enterprises, enhance productivity, and improve the livelihoods of farming households.

Additionally, participants also reviewed programme performance, shared experiences and lessons learnt, discussed animal health interventions, and evaluated the implementation of the e-Voucher Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccination programme.

The meeting was attended by Chief Officers Felistus Mutune and Japheth Kiminza, together with key stakeholders in the dairy value chain.

Vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, women and youth from Kikumbulyu North and Kikumbulyu South wards, on Tuesday benefited from a livestock support programme aimed at enhancing economic empowerment and improving household incomes.

Under the ward-based initiative, the Department of Agriculture distributed 51 does and 54 bucks to farmers as part of a continuous breed improvement programme targeting faster-growing goats with higher mature weights. Beneficiaries also received 100 bags of 50kg drought pellets to boost animal productivity, improve nutrition and accelerate breeding.

The exercise was officiated by Chief Officer for Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development, Japheth Kiminza, who said the programme seeks to build resilient livelihoods through sustainable livestock production and improved breeds.

Kiminza urged beneficiaries to embrace proper animal husbandry practices to ensure the project’s long-term success and sustainability.

The event was also attended by Jades Kalunda, who lauded the initiative for creating economic opportunities and strengthening community resilience.