Governor Barasa Unveils Agripreneurs Model to Drive Food Security and Youth Empowerment in Kakamega

Kakamega Governor FCPA Fernandes Barasa has launched the second cohort of the Kakamega County Agripreneurs Model, a bold initiative aimed at transforming agriculture into a profitable, youth-driven, and technology-enabled enterprise.

The launch event, held at the Mumias Cultural Centre in Mumias West Sub-County, marked a significant step in the county’s broader strategy to enhance food security, create jobs, and stimulate wealth creation through agribusiness innovation.

The Agripreneurs Model is being implemented in collaboration with the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP). It builds on the success of the first cohort, which trained 420 young agripreneurs through the Know Your Farmer (KYF) platform. The trainees were equipped with digital tools, agribusiness skills, and hands-on knowledge to assist farmers across Kakamega’s 60 wards.

So far, the program has achieved remarkable milestones:

• Over 283,000 farmers registered under the KIAMIS digital platform to streamline input distribution, livestock vaccination, and market access.

• Strengthening of 7,700+ Common Interest Groups (CIGs) and 20 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).

• Plans underway to expand SACCOs and improve access to affordable credit through collective marketing initiatives.

Speaking at the event, Governor Barasa reiterated his administration’s commitment to agriculture as a cornerstone of his development agenda.

“Agriculture remains at the heart of our county’s economic transformation. We are investing in youth and technology to ensure farming is not only sustainable but also profitable,” said Governor Barasa.

He also highlighted ongoing efforts to revitalize key agro-industries, including:

• Mumias Sugar Company

• Matawa Fertilizer Plant

• Lugari Maize Mill

Future developments were also teased, including the launch of the Madala Tea Factory and Malava Dairy Factory.

In a call to action, the Governor encouraged farmers to embrace diversification into high-value sectors such as coffee, avocado, poultry, beekeeping, and dairy farming to improve food production and household incomes.

The event was graced by a host of dignitaries, including County Commissioner Mr. Mwangi Meru, County Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. James Namatsi, County Executive Committee Members, NAVCDP representative Merina Atsiaya, and other senior officials.