𝐋𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐤𝐚 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬: 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐓𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐤 𝐁𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐍𝐀𝐕𝐂𝐃𝐏 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭

 

 

Governor Lusaka has issued a stern warning to county governments, calling for stringent compliance with project requirements and cautioning that counties which fail to meet set performance targets risk being dropped from the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP).

 

Speaking during the Joint National Project Steering Committee (NPCU) meeting, where he serves as the Chairperson for Agriculture at the Council of Governors, Lusaka emphasized that the core objective of the NAVCDP is to transform the livelihoods of farmers at the grassroots.

He challenged counties to move beyond planning and commit to full implementation of the agreed strategies and expectations.

 

“The focus must remain on changing the lives of farmers through effective delivery of NAVCDP projects at the county level,” Lusaka stated, noting that continued underperformance would not be tolerated.

 

The meeting was chaired by Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Hon. Mutahi Kagwe, who underscored the need for Kenya to move away from what he termed “loose arrangements” and instead embrace well-structured, results-oriented projects aligned with national development priorities. 

 

CS Kagwe further raised concerns over procurement decisions in ongoing projects, questioning their relevance and value for money, and urged implementing agencies to uphold best practices.

Lusaka also stressed the importance of accountability and transparency in the utilization of donor funds, a position strongly supported by Governor Benjamin Cheboi, who echoed the need for prudent financial management and measurable impact on beneficiaries.

The Joint Steering Committee meeting is expected to play a critical role in shaping the annual work plan and budget for the 2025/2026 financial year, providing strategic direction for the continued rollout of the NAVCDP across counties.

 

Also present at the meeting were Garissa Governor Nathif J. Adam and the Principal Secretary for Cooperatives, Patrick Kilemi, among other senior national and county government officials.