Kitui Governor, Charity Ngilu has encouraged farmers in the county to apply for cheap loans from the Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC) to boost farming activities and increase food production.
Speaking during a farmers’ training session at the Agricultural Training College in Kitui town on Thursday, Governor Ngilu said the entrance of the corporation to the market will ensure farmers access affordable loans and service their agri-business needs.
“I know, without an iota of doubt that farmers of Kitui will kick poverty out of their lives, I am sure AFC will be part of this journey,” said the Governor.
On her part, the UN Women Kenya Country Office Director, Karin Fueg, pledged the United Nations support in enhancing the lives of farmers, more specifically the women engaged in farming activities.
“UN Women will remain committed through AFC and the Governor’s office to ensure that the lives of women in Kitui are enhanced more so in farming and bee keeping being our sole responsibility,” said Fueg.
The AFC Board Chairman, Franklin Bett pledged the corporation’s commitment to enhance the lives of farmers in the county.
Further, he called on the county Government to set up a robust marketing strategy for the county’s farm products.
“AFC is steadfast to offer financial solutions for the county famers, on the county government’s side; a proper marketing strategy should be put in place for the produce of this county. It’s paramount,” Bett said.
Most farmers in the country prefer the corporation’s loans because they are fast in processing, have a lower interest rate of 10 percent compared to the commercial banks’ 13 percent and have a flexible repayment period.
By Yobesh Onwong’a
