Residents of Tiaty Sub-County in Baringo County have a reason to smile after the county government and a faith-based organisation, Christian International Mission (CIM), signed a memorandum of understanding to end poverty through boosting agriculture and education for sustainable development.
“We have partnered with CIM to transform communities by changing the livelihoods of the Baringo residents through a mindset shift from traditional activities of cattle rustling and female genital mutilation (FGM) that they are used to,” Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi noted.
Governor Cheboi, who was accompanied by his Deputy Felix Maiyo, was speaking at his office in Kabarnet town Tuesday when he signed the memorandum. CIM was represented by Reverend Titus Masika.
Cheboi said the partnership would help put an end to retrogressive cultural practises, adding that the faith-based organisation had been working in the county informally for a decade, undertaking various development activities.
In addition, the county boss said diversification of sources of income for residents in Tiaty East and Tiaty West sub-counties through water provision, building schools, promoting agricultural activities, livestock keeping, and value addition of their produce would boost development.
On his part, Rev. Masika said the formalisation of a working strategy would create synergy to transform communities through the identification of their strengths, the resources available, and the challenges facing them and how to tackle them.
He added that so far, 1200 farmers from Silale ward had already embarked on farming for the first time, which would go a long way in boosting food security and lowering their cost of living.
By Caroline Cherono
