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Agriculture

MAKUENI TO PARTNER WITH CIM TO BOOST FARMER-LED IRRIGATION IN MAKUENI

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Thursday engaged in a productive discussion with Bishop Dr. Titus Masika of Christian Impact Mission (CIM) to explore collaboration on a farmer-led irrigation initiative aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and climate resilience.

CIM, a faith-based development agency, focuses on creating community transformation models and training tools, with a strong emphasis on building resilience against climate change and other environmental challenges.

In partnership with the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP), CIM is set to roll out an irrigation project in Marwa, Kiima Kiu/Kalanzoni ward.

The initiative will involve the excavation of 200 farm ponds, each with a minimum capacity of 250m³, targeting a total of 552 hectares. The project is expected to harvest at least 37,500m³ of water per watershed, ensuring sustainable water supply for irrigation.

Once completed, farmers will actively participate by shaping, fencing and dedicating at least one acre each for irrigation.

This piloting initiative is a step geared towards strengthening food security, promoting water conservation, and enhancing climate adaptation for vulnerable communities in the region.

The meeting was also attended by CECM for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development, Joyce Mutua, as well as Livestock Chief Officer Japheth Kiminza and other county officials.

This collaboration highlights the governor’s commitment to innovative, sustainable agriculture solutions that empower farmers and secure livelihoods in the face of climate change.

HUNDREDS OF KITHUNGO/KITUNDU RESIDENTS ACHIEVE FOOD SECURITY AND INCOME BOOST THROUGH CLIMATE-SMART FARMING INITIATIVE

Residents of Kithungo/Kitundu are reaping the benefits of food sufficiency and increased incomes thanks to Kathambalani irrigation scheme, a project supported by the county government’s innovative green roads water harvesting program.

The scheme utilizes water harvested from a road drift constructed across the Kathambalani stream, which captures substantial volumes of sand and underground water. This water is then channeled to irrigate farmlands, enabling year-round crop production.

During a routine inspection of the project on Wednesday, County Executive Committee Member for Water, Eng. John Kieti, announced plans to allocate funds in the upcoming financial year for the construction of a mega sump and distribution tank so as to reach more residents.

Area MCA Kisungi Katete, who accompanied Eng. Kieti during the inspection, praised the initiative for its positive impact on the community.

KITISE WATER AND IRRIGATION PROJECTS MAKE PROGRESS

A water and irrigation project in Kitise, currently 50% complete, is set to positively impact over 1,500 households in the area.

The initiative, which aims to provide clean domestic water, promote conservation agriculture, and enhance climate resilience, is making steady progress in improving the livelihoods of local residents.

Key components of the project include the construction of a 100m³ water sump, solar-powered systems to facilitate efficient water distribution to various points, and the installation of a 3.2 km pipeline leading to a booster station for sustained water supply.

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, who chairs the Emergency Sub-Committee within the cabinet, visited the site alongside a team of County Executive Committee Members (ECMs) and the area MCA Sebastian Muli to assess the project’s progress.

During the visit, Mulili reassured the community that the county is fully committed to enhancing water accessibility and sustainability, emphasizing the long-term benefits these projects will bring to local residents.

In addition to the water supply project, the team also visited the Kikome Irrigation Scheme Phase 3, which is designed to serve 63 households, each receiving one acre for agricultural use.

This phase of the project will involve the construction of a pipeline network covering 15 acres, the installation of infiltration galleries for the collection sump tank, and the desilting of the existing 100m³ concrete sump tank.

AGRIPRENEURS TAKE OATH AFTER AN INTENSIVE TRAINING

The 210 agripreneurs launched on Thursday have officially taken an oath of service today after completing a two-day intensive training on their field roles.

The training focused on farmer profiling, equipping the agripreneurs with skills to assess farmers’ capacities and identify potential farming areas.

The oath, administered by County Solicitor Ms. Jennifer Kyumwa and witnessed by CECM for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Cooperative Development, Joyce Mutua, signifies a commitment to safeguarding farmers’ data privacy.

“We count on you to be the bridge that uplifts our farmers and transforms agriculture in Makueni,” urged CECM Mutua.

The event was also attended by Livestock and Fisheries Chief Officer Japheth Kiminza, alongside other county officials.

IVIANI FARM PUTS MAKUENI ON THE MAP WITH EXPORT-QUALITY FRUIT CRISPS

Iviani farm, located deep at Kwa Kathoka village, has emerged as an example of how cottage industries are propelling Makueni County’s economy to new heights.

This farm specializes in the production of crunchy dried mango, banana, and pixie crisps which find their market in Europe, Canada, and United States as well as the Kenyan market. In a season, the farm processes up to 150 metric tons of raw mango into these sought-after munchies.

The farm, founded by Faith Mumo and Benjamin Munyao, who are still in their youth, has become a key player in supporting the county government’s efforts to stabilize mango prices, provide a reliable market for local farmers, and reduce post-harvest losses.

On Wednesday, during a visit to the farm, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr, accompanied by County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture Joyce Mutua, lauded the initiative for its impact on the local economy. Governor Mutula pledged his commitment to supporting youth-led start-ups through the Makueni County Empowerment Fund, to build a vibrant private sector driven by young entrepreneurs.

Faith also serves as the CEO of BEFA FEEDS—a local livestock feed manufacturing company based at Kwa Kathoka Market Centre. BEFA FEEDS provides affordable, high-quality animal feeds to farmers in the region, further strengthening the agricultural value chain. The two ventures have created hundreds of job opportunities to locals both directly and indirectly.

GOVERNOR MUTULA LAUNCHES DIGITAL SOIL SAMPLING IN MAKUENI

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Wednesday launched a digital soil sampling exercise at Kwa Kathoka, set to cover all 30 wards in Makueni County.

The initiative, led by the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP) in partnership with the county government through Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) aims to assess soil fertility across the county.

Karlo Director for Environment and Natural Resources Management Dr. David Kamau, highlighted that the program was prompted by soil fertility challenges in the country.

This exercise is part of a national digital soil mapping program designed to create a soil information system that will guide farmers on soil fertility management.

Speaking during the programme launch, Governor Mutula urged farmers to cooperate with KALRO officers during the exercise, emphasizing that the findings will support better crop growth, food production and nutrition security in Makueni.

“The soil analysis will help determine nutrient levels and guide farmers on proper fertilizer application”, stated Mutula.

The exercise, expected to last three months, will involve 120 young local agripreneurs—four from each ward—who will collect soil samples, create awareness and educate farmers on the importance of soil testing.

The launch was attended by Agriculture CECM Joyce Mutua, Devolution CECM Nicholas Nzioka, Chief Officers Japheth Kiminza (Livestock) and Dr. Victoria Kyalo (Agriculture), among other officials.

KYANG’ONDU STOCKYARD COMMISSIONED

Livestock traders and farmers in Kako Waia Ward and surrounding areas have received a major boost with the commissioning of the Kyang’ondu Stockyard.

The facility features two livestock compartments with separate gates, a ticketing and revenue booth, a vaccination crush and a traders’ shed. It is designed to accommodate between 300 to 400 cattle.

Addressing hundreds of residents during the event, the County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development, Ms. Joyce Mutua encouraged locals to embrace the project.

Ms. Mutua further highlighted that the stockyard aligns with Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr’s vision of economic empowerment by creating job opportunities.

Attending the occasion, area Member of County Assembly Hon. Dennis Mutinda commended the Agriculture Department for its ongoing support to farmers and pledged his commitment to furthering agricultural development.

The stockyard is expected to boost livestock trade, generate revenue for the county government and positively impact the local economy.

Also in attendance was the Chief Officer Livestock Fisheries and Cooperatives Development, Japheth Kiminza along with other national and local officials.

GOVERNOR KILONZO MEETS TRADEMARK AFRICA DELEGATION ON EXPORT HUB DEVELOPMENT

On Thursday, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. hosted a delegation from TradeMark Africa to discuss the establishment and operationalization of Export Supply Hubs (ESH) in Makueni County.

TradeMark Africa, an Aid-for-Trade organization established with the aim of growing prosperity through increased trade, was led by Acting Country Director Dr. Eng. Hannah Ngugi.

The discussion centered on market facilitation aimed at streamlining horticultural export supply chains by establishing hubs to serve as county and regional aggregation centers, thereby improving the efficiency of horticultural product exports.

During the meeting, Dr. Ngungi praised Makueni’s value addition efforts, highlighting the processing of mango juice as a key initiative that enhances the economic value of local produce.

Governor Kilonzo expressed his dedication to partnering with Trademark Africa and assured his government’s unwavering support in advancing agricultural development within the county.

This partnership aims to boost Makueni’s competitiveness, increase export earnings, create jobs, ensure regulatory compliance and save foreign exchange.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, Trademark Africa’s Director of Standards Andrew Edewa, and CECM Joyce Mutua among other officials.

FARMERS IN KIKUMBULYU SOUTH WARD RECEIVE BOOST WITH IMPROVED GOATS

On Monday, Farmers in Kikumbulyu South Ward, Kibwezi West Sub-County, received 166 improved male goats valued at Ksh 2 million.

This initiative by the Department of Agriculture under the Ward budget aims to enhance milk and meat production through crossbreeding, improving market quality and boosting livelihoods.

The goats are expected to mature to a market weight within 12–18 months, with lactating goats producing 500–1,000 milliliters of milk daily.

Speaking during the handover, the CECM for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Cooperatives Development, Ms. Joyce Mutua, encouraged farmers to embrace the opportunity to improve their livestock breeds. She highlighted the project’s potential to promote growth and economic stability in the community.

Area MCA Jades Kalunda applauded the county government’s efforts, reiterating their dedication to uplifting the livelihoods of Makueni residents.

During the handover, a grateful farmer noted, “When the goats multiply, I will be able to educate my children and provide for them.”

The herd is projected to grow significantly, reaching over 1,200 goats in two years.

The event was also attended by CO Livestock Japheth Kiminza, Thange Ward MCA Eric Katumo, and other county officials.

AVOCADO FARMERS IN KAITI AND KILOME TRAINED FOR EXPORT GROWTH

On Friday, avocado farmers in Kilungu and Kilome sub-counties completed a four-day training to enhance their export capabilities.

The training, conducted by TradeMark Africa (TMA), an NGO committed to promoting trade and prosperity, with support by the European Union through the Business Environment and Export Enhancement Program (BEEEP), centered on achieving compliance with global export standards.

BEEEP is designed to boost Kenya’s export competitiveness in key agricultural commodities such as avocados, mangoes, vegetables and flowers.

The training aimed to equip participants with essential skills in proper chemical usage and hygiene practices to ensure high-quality farm produce.

Attending the training session, Agriculture Chief Officer Dr. Victoria Kyalo emphasized the importance of farmers organizing themselves into registered groups to access more trainings and market opportunities.

The session ended with plans for a certification exercise under Global Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and KEBS’ KS1758-2016 standards.

This standardization certification will enhance market access for avocado produce, leading to better prices and improved livelihoods for farmers.

The initiative reflects Makueni County’s commitment to empowering farmers and strengthening agricultural exports.