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Extension officers serve as the vital link between farmers and modern agricultural knowledge, helping communities adopt better practices and improve productivity.

Their work is key in ensuring farmers access expert guidance that translates to higher yields and sustainable livelihoods.

In Makueni County, where farming remains the backbone of the local economy, the County Government has established a strong network of extension officers spread across wards and sub-counties under the directorates of Agriculture, Livestock, and Cooperative Development.

On Wednesday, over 100 extension officers drawn from across the county convened at Kwa Kathoka Agricultural Training Centre (ATC) to deliberate on strategies aimed at strengthening service delivery and promoting modern farming techniques.

By enhancing these critical services, the Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development Department has launched a county free-toll-line ( 0800-722 715 )to enable farmers reach extension officers and get technical advise.

Speaking during the meeting, CECM Liz Muli told the officers that the initiative aims to boost agricultural production, raise household incomes and combat food insecurity in line with Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr‘s vision.

The meeting reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering farmers and ensuring Makueni continues to thrive as an agricultural hub.

Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects both people and animals by attacking the brain and nervous system. It spreads mainly through bites or scratches from infected animals, especially dogs.

Once symptoms appear, rabies cannot be cured — but vaccination remains the safest and most effective way to stop its spread.

To protect communities from this life-threatening disease, the County Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development has intensified its ongoing rabies vaccination campaign in wards with high cases of rabies.

So far, 1,542 dogs from 910 households in Muvau/Kikumini Ward and 1,357 dogs from 728 households in Wote/Nziu Ward have been vaccinated.

The county aims to vaccinate 20,000 dogs in the seven wards, ensuring safer and healthier communities.

This initiative aims to ensure safer, rabies-free communities where humans and animals coexist in harmony.

#RabiesFreeMakueni#HealthyCommunity

Bee keeping is fast emerging as a promising economic venture in the lower parts of Makueni, offering residents a sustainable source of income.

The Department of Agriculture has shown great commitment in promoting modern apiary practices to empower locals and boost honey production across the region.

On Tuesday, the department distributed 51 modern beehives to three community groups made up of more than 80 members, with each group receiving 17 hives.

Speaking during the exercise, group chairperson Peter Mwanzia Mumo expressed confidence that the new hives would significantly increase honey yields. He urged more residents, especially those with vast land, to embrace bee keeping as a profitable enterprise.

Agricultural extension officers have been actively training farmers on modern hive management, bee handling, and hygienic honey extraction methods.

The initiative seeks to increase productivity and enhance household incomes, in line with Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr‘s vision of an economically empowered Makueni.