Irish government has reassured its commitment in supporting the Kenyan government realise its Big Four Agenda.
Ambassador for Ireland, Dr Vincent O’Neill said the Irish government was committed to supporting the country improves in food security.
“A year ago President Uhuru Kenyatta approached us and requested us to support his government realise his Big Four Agenda and for sure the Irish government is responding to this,” said Dr. O’Neill.
He said the Irish government was supporting the country in respect to fisheries, dairy farming and Agriculture, particularly in potato production.
The Ambassador said the Irish government was in partnership with the county government of Nyandarua, in ensuring that high yielding Irish Potato seeds are availed to Nyandarua farmers and to other parts of the country.
He was speaking at Kirimangai village in OlJorolok Constituency of Nyandarua County, accompanied by Nyandarua Governor Francis Kimemia during a potato capacity building field activity.
“The Irish government is also partnering with the county government of Nyandarua to support farmers by engaging them through their cooperatives, training them, helping them carry out soil analysis, maximize their yield, get market for their produce, better price and also eliminate cartels,” he added.
Speaking at the same time, Governor Kimemia, said they were also seeking partnership with the Irish government and the National government to put up storage and potato processing plants to help farmers market their produce when they are fresh.
He said the county was targeting to be a potato and other produce exporting county.
The governor also noted that his administration was buying smaller equipment for youths to help them improve potato industry and also contribute in the Big four agenda.
“We have already registered all the youth with agriculture related courses, and we are considering taking them abroad to get further training to boost agricultural sector in the county,” added the governor.
The governor also called upon farmers to get their soil tested for better yielding.
By Jesse Mwitwa
Irish government affirms its support to Kenya in Big Four
