By Faith Anene and Daniel Otieno, Kakamega
The County Government of Kakamega has unveiled an ambitious plan to prioritise food production initiatives aimed at enhancing food security and creating job opportunities within the agricultural sector.
Governor Fernandes Barasa highlighted the critical role of agriculture in driving the county’s economic growth during the World Food Day celebrations held at Mzee Joel Mmbasu’s farm in Malava Constituency.
“We are here to mark World Food Day under the theme of how proper nutrition leads to a better life and a brighter future. As we celebrate this day, we must also commit ourselves to working diligently on our farms,’ said Barasa
He went on: “Farming is the key to preventing famine in Kakamega. That is why agricultural development was a central issue in my campaign. I am prepared to collaborate with investors and institutions to combat hunger,”
“As a county government, we are implementing initiatives such as providing subsidized fertilizer and maize to residents, along with distributing fish and fingerlings to farmers. These efforts aim to make Kakamega a leader in food production in the country,” said Barasa
Barasa reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing significantly in agricultural activities, with the vision of establishing Kakamega as a leader in food production across Kenya.
“As a county government, we are implementing initiatives such as providing subsidized fertilizer and maize to residents, along with distributing fish and fingerlings to farmers. These efforts aim to make Kakamega a leader in food production in the country,” he remarked.
Barasa said that he is partnering with different organizations to issue fingerlings to farmers, a program that will help in eradicating poverty and hunger in Kakamega county.
“We are working closely with organizations to give fish and fish foods to famers. We want to guarantee the residents of Kakamega that through food security we will eradicate hunger,” Barasa said
Barasa also urged the contractor responsible for constructing the Tumbeni Dairy Factory to accelerate the project’s completion by the end of the year. The factory is expected to provide a stable market for local dairy farmers and create job opportunities for the county’s youth.
“I have instructed the contractor overseeing the Tumbeni Dairy Factory to ensure its completion by year’s end. This project will create jobs for our young people and provide a reliable market for milk farmers,” he added.
He urged all the agricultural officers in the county to work closely with the farmers and help them in extension services.
“All agricultural officers should work closely with our famers and partner with the National Agricultural Private Chain Development Project (NAPDP) to boost the growth of avocados, poultry and beekeeping so that we can take all our farm produce to Likuyani Industrial Pack for marketing.”
Barasa also pledged to collaborate with the sugar industries like Butali and West Kenya to improve road networks in the county to aid in transporting agricultural products.
