Young Farmers Eye New Opportunities as Kenya Pushes for Food Security and Innovation

Excitement and hope have gripped dozens of young agripreneurs from Turkana County as they prepare to travel to Wajir for the national launch of the Agripreneur Model Program during this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations.

At least 82 agripreneurs from Turkana are expected to join 1,608 other young agricultural innovators from across the country in a program aimed at transforming agriculture into a sustainable source of income and employment for the youth.

For many of the participants, the trip represents more than just attending a national event. It is an opportunity to showcase the growing role of young people in agriculture and to learn modern farming practices that could change livelihoods back home.

The initiative, supported by the Food Systems Resilience Project (FSRP), seeks to empower youth through agribusiness while strengthening food security and resilience in communities vulnerable to climate change and food shortages.

Speaking to the participants ahead of the journey, County Project Coordinator Victor Lochee said the agripreneurs are central to the success of the program and the future of agriculture in the region.

“This initiative is about creating opportunities for young people while improving access to agricultural inputs, market linkages, modern technologies and financial services for farmers,” said Lochee.

He noted that improving last-mile extension service delivery will help farmers access vital information and services needed to boost production and strengthen local food systems.

“By ensuring there is increased access to these resources, we will strengthen food systems and build resilience,” he added.

Lochee also encouraged the participants to maintain discipline and represent Turkana County positively during the national celebrations.

For many young people in Turkana, where drought and unemployment remain major challenges, agribusiness is increasingly becoming a pathway to economic empowerment and self-reliance.

Peter Lolem, the Governor’s advisor on resource mobilization and partnerships, assured the team that the county government fully supports the initiative.

He said Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai’s administration recognizes the importance of empowering youth through agriculture and innovation.

The team traveling with the agripreneurs includes Agribusiness Development Officer Simon Atot, Community Institutions Lead Josephine Emase, Digital Agriculture Lead Christine Ebei and Administrator Esther Ngikode among other officials.

This year’s Madaraka Day celebrations will be held under the theme “Education, Skills and the Future,” highlighting the government’s focus on equipping young people with practical skills to drive Kenya’s economic transformation.