Netherlands Development Organisation, Uasin Gishu County Seal Partnership to Accelerate Inclusive and Sustainable Development

 By Wasike Elvis

The Netherlands Development Organisation (SNV) and the County Government of Uasin Gishu have entered into a renewed partnership aimed at accelerating inclusive and sustainable development through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The MoU, signed at the Uasin Gishu County Government headquarters in Eldoret, formalises collaboration between the two parties and provides a structured framework for joint programming in key development areas. These include inclusive entrepreneurship, regenerative agriculture, water and sanitation, and the productive use of renewable energy. The partnership places particular emphasis on improving livelihoods for women, youth, smallholder farmers, and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), who form the backbone of the county’s economy.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, SNV Country Director for Kenya and Burundi, Rebecca Hallam, said the agreement reflects a shared vision of people-centred development and long-term transformation.

“This MoU is more than a formal agreement; it is a commitment to shared progress. By working together, we can leverage resources, knowledge, and networks to create lasting impact for the people of Uasin Gishu,” Hallam said. “Our collaboration reflects a shared belief in inclusive development and sustainable transformation that leaves no one behind.”

Hallam noted that SNV brings decades of global and local experience in agri-food systems, renewable energy, and water and sanitation, which will be aligned with Uasin Gishu County’s development priorities to deliver tangible results at the grassroots level.

“For a farmer at home, this partnership means access to capacity building, skills development, and practical support to help navigate a rapidly changing world,” she said. “As climate change increasingly affects livelihoods, we are supporting farmers to adapt through regenerative agricultural practices that improve yields, strengthen business models, and build resilience against climate shocks.”

She added that the collaboration will focus on strengthening value chains, promoting market linkages, and improving access to finance for MSMEs, particularly those led by women and young people. In addition, SNV will work closely with county departments to support policy development and create an enabling environment for sustainable economic growth.

“Our approach is not just about projects, but about systems change. By working with government, private sector actors, and communities, we aim to ensure that development interventions are scalable, inclusive, and sustainable over the long term,” Hallam said.

Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii welcomed the continued partnership with SNV, noting that the organisation has had a presence in the county for more than 22 years and has played a significant role in supporting development initiatives.

“We want to appreciate SNV’s presence in our county. This programme has been here for the last 22 years, and we are seeing a lot of positive activity on the ground,” Governor Bii said. “Today, nobody can work alone. Partnerships like this are critical as we strengthen food security, improve policy implementation, and empower our people, especially the youth.”

The governor said SNV has been instrumental in supporting policy formulation and implementation, ensuring that county policies translate into real and measurable impact for residents. He added that the new MoU aligns closely with the county’s development agenda, particularly in food preparedness, water programmes, climate resilience, and youth empowerment.

“We have a number of youth initiatives in the county, especially those targeting young entrepreneurs, and we want them to benefit from this programme,” Governor Bii said. “Through our water and livelihood programmes, we are deliberately adopting models that incorporate and empower young people, so that they can actively participate in economic development.”

Governor Bii also urged young people to embrace agriculture, describing it as the country’s largest employer and a key driver of economic transformation.

“Agriculture offers enormous opportunities, especially for our youth. We want to encourage them to engage in small-scale farming such as horticulture and poultry, and to develop viable business models,” he said. “Through our county departments, we will guide, advise, and eventually support them with grants and other resources to help them succeed.”

He added that the programme is designed to ensure equitable development across the county, with deliberate efforts to reach youth in all wards and ensure that no one is left behind.

The partnership is also expected to strengthen water and sanitation initiatives, improve access to clean energy solutions, and promote climate-smart approaches that enhance productivity while protecting the environment. County officials said these efforts will contribute to improved household incomes, food security, and overall quality of life for residents.

SNV has operated in Kenya since 1967, working to empower communities to break the cycle of poverty by improving access to basic services and increasing incomes. Through partnerships with national and county governments, the private sector, and civil society, the organisation focuses on sustainable solutions that drive inclusive economic growth.

The renewed collaboration with Uasin Gishu County is expected to deepen SNV’s impact in the region and support the county’s efforts to achieve long-term, inclusive, and sustainable development for its growing population.