Several Community Driven Development Committees (CDDC) and Producer Organizations from different parts of Kiambu County, benefited from cheques worth Sh. 49.3 million from the Enterprise Development Inclusion Funds.
While disbursing the cheques to the 103 CDDC at the Kiambu County Government Headquarters, Kiambu Governor, Dr. James Nyoro, advised the beneficiaries to spend the money prudently, as they engaged in the various farming so as to boost food security.
“When these groups engage in proper farming methods, they will be able to feed the growing population of Kiambu County and even sell surplus to neighboring Counties, thus improving her economic status and enabling them to support their other economic activities,” remarked Dr. Nyoro.
The money is the second component of the initiative meant to fund farmers who have organized themselves into working teams. Among the beneficiaries were Kiriita Dairy FCS-8, 500, 000, Gatundu United Dairy-3, 387, 000, Banana Co-op Union -1, 285, 520, Potato Co-op Union -1,066,600 and Local Chicken Co-operative being the total amount to 15,337,970 shillings, while the previous Groups in component one benefited from the balance.
CDDC and producer Organizations were formed by farmers in common interest groups to manage their resources, empower them with training and marketing of produce. Of the 795 approved groups with common interests, 366 have so far been funded by the County Government and her stakeholders in Agriculture.
The current CDDC initiative focus on four value chains, namely Dairy Agriculture, Chicken, banana and potato farming which is the mainstay of Kiambu County.
Also present at the event were the Chairman in charge of Agriculture Committee in the Assembly, Mr. Joseph Mwai, Agriculture County Executive Committee Member (CECM) Mr. Joseph Kamau, the Chief Officer for Agriculture, Dr. David Kamundia, County Project Coordinator, Patricia Nyutu, CDDC heads from 20 wards and Producer Organization heads.
While receiving the cheques from the Governor, the heads from 20 wards and producer Organizations appreciated the gesture by the County Government. They promised to ensure that the money went towards the intended purpose of food reliance.
Food security is one of the government’s Big4Agenda development pillars, which is meant to ensure that hunger is eradicated in the country.
By Lydia Shiloya
