To boost agricultural entrepreneurship, the National Agriculture Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP) and Kiambu County’s Department of Agriculture have launched a programme supporting 260 agripreneurs in Kiambu County.
Selected competitively from all 60 wards across Kiambu’s 12 sub-counties, the youthful agripreneurs will act as vital guides by offering expertise on agribusiness startup and growth, opportunity identification, best agricultural practices including pest management and irrigation, input supply connections, and market access for fair pricing.
During the event at his Kiambu office, Mr. Benson Ndungu, Chief Officer of Agriculture, Crop Production, and Marketing, highlighted the project’s potential to revolutionize Kiambu’s agriculture.
He predicted it would strengthen farmer organisation, boost their negotiating power, and foster knowledge exchange among industry players.
“These agripreneurs will play a crucial role in connecting farmers to financial services, assisting with loan applications, and ensuring continuous improvement through regular progress tracking and feedback.
They will also maintain accurate records to support informed decision-making and planning, “said Ndungu.
“This initiative marks a turning point for our farmers. By organising them into structured groups and enhancing their capacity, we are ensuring that they gain better access to markets, improve productivity, and increase their earnings,” noted Mr. Ndungu.
NAVCDP Agribusiness Development Officer, Hannah Thuo, explained that the purpose of the forum was to build and solidify farmer groups and to oversee the election of their leaders, focusing on five important agricultural sectors: potatoes, tomatoes, poultry, dairy, and avocado.
“This initiative is vital, for it will improve market access and value addition. It actively works to increase cultivated land, introduce modern farming technologies, and encourage diversification. These actions are fundamental to achieving economic growth and long-term sustainability within our county,” she said.
The NAVCDP, a World Bank-funded project implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, is designed to enhance agricultural production and marketing by aligning with the government’s strategic priorities of achieving food security, promoting crop diversification, and reducing rural poverty.
Operating in 33 of Kenya’s 47 counties, the NAVCDP aims to revolutionize agriculture by strengthening market connections, providing financial resources, and encouraging the adoption of new technologies.
By Hellen Lunalo
