The World Bank through the Kenya Climate Smart Agricultural Project (KCSAP) has set aside Sh. 25 billion to fund micro-projects in Kakamega County.
The County Agricultural Statistics Officer Morris Wambua says they are conducting capacity building forums for the beneficiaries who comprise Common Interest Groups (CIGs) and Vulnerable Marginalized Groups (VMGs).
He said the first phase of the project that is to be implemented this financial year has been allocated Sh. 170 million which will be increased to Sh. 300 million in the second phase.
The officer stated that the CIGs and VMGs will receive funding to start-up micro-projects across four Value chains including dairy, aquaculture, poultry and the African leafy vegetables.
“Each VMG is to receive a grant of between Sh. 300,000 and Sh. 500,000 while CIGs would be given between Sh. 700,000 and 1 million.
However, he stated, the CIGs will have to contribute at least 10 per cent of the total amount either in cash or in kind.
The VMGs mainly consist of widows and the youth while CIGs are open-ended.
He said phase one will cover six wards across three sub counties including South Kabras and West Kabras in Malava sub county, Butsotso West and Butsotso East in Lurambi sub county and Ingotse-Matiha and Shikomari-Esumeiya in Navakholo sub-county.
“There is a Community Driven Development Committee (CDDC) in each ward which is responsible for coordinating and managing the funds for the micro projects,” he explained.
He added that at the apex is the County Project Steering Committee (CPSC) chaired by the Deputy Governor who doubles as the County Agriculture Executive, Prof Philip Kutima.
“We have already approved 23 projects across the four value chains awaiting launching by Governor Wycliffe Oparanya next month,” he said adding that they target to fund 36 projects this fiscal year.
He pointed out that the county has hired experts in the four value chains who will offer extension services to the groups.
The experts will also help the groups in formulating proposals which will go through various technical committees including the CDDCs and KCSAP before finally being approved by the CPSC.
He informed that KCSAP is nation-wide initiative aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change by reducing the production of greenhouse gases through climate sensitive agricultural activities.
“It is also geared towards increasing agricultural productivity for food and nutritional security as well as boost incomes for the smallholder farmers,” he said.
By KNA team
