Kenei Takes Agriculture Message to Soy, Backs Revival of Chepkoiyo Cattle Dip

Uasin Gishu gubernatorial aspirant Willy Kenei has intensified his grassroots engagements ahead of the 2027 General Election, with agriculture and livestock development taking centre stage during a consultative meeting in Soy Ward.

Kenei met residents, local leaders and community members from Ripmoy Village, where discussions focused on practical measures to improve farming, livestock production and household incomes.

A major concern raised during the engagement was the state of agricultural facilities, particularly the Chepkoiyo Cattle Dip, which residents said plays an important role in supporting farmers who depend on livestock for their livelihoods.

Kenei said he listened to the concerns raised by residents and backed efforts to restore the facility and strengthen livestock health services in the area.

He said functional livestock facilities are essential to farmers because they help in disease control while supporting productivity and protecting household investments in cattle and other livestock.

“Strong agriculture requires practical support, functional cattle dips, accessible livestock services, farmer support and opportunities for value addition,” Kenei said.

He argued that strengthening agriculture should go beyond discussions and involve investment in facilities and services that farmers can access at the grassroots.

Kenei said improved livestock health, better farmer support and value addition could contribute to increased productivity, improved incomes and better livelihoods for families across Uasin Gishu.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for residents and local leaders to raise issues affecting their communities and discuss possible solutions with the gubernatorial aspirant.

According to Kenei, the engagement was part of his continued consultations with communities across Uasin Gishu as he builds his platform ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial contest.

He said residents and local leaders who attended the meeting endorsed his candidature and expressed confidence in what they described as his solution-driven approach to addressing challenges affecting farmers and families.

Kenei has increasingly used grassroots consultations as part of his campaign activities, with recent engagements reported in Kamagut, Kapseret and other parts of the county. 

His campaign has centred on economic transformation, investment, job creation, improved public services, support for farmers and opportunities for young people. Kenei is also the chairman of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Uasin Gishu Chapter. 

The latest meeting comes against the backdrop of ongoing efforts by the Uasin Gishu County Government to improve livestock services. The county has been implementing a programme targeting the rehabilitation of 102 existing cattle dips and construction of seven new ones, with the county saying the facilities are intended to help control livestock diseases and improve productivity. 

In Soy Sub-County, the county has also previously outlined plans to strengthen livestock infrastructure, including cattle dips, as part of broader measures aimed at improving agricultural and livestock production. 

Kenei said the concerns raised by residents demonstrated the importance of ensuring that county development plans respond directly to the needs identified by communities.

He maintained that farmers should have access to functional agricultural infrastructure, veterinary services, markets and opportunities to add value to their produce rather than relying solely on the sale of raw agricultural products.

The aspirant said his vision for Uasin Gishu would place communities at the centre of decision-making, with leaders expected to listen to residents and translate their concerns into practical interventions.

“As we look ahead to 2027, I invite the people of Uasin Gishu to join me in building a county where farmers are supported, communities are heard and opportunities are created for all,” Kenei said.

He further called for what he described as practical, accountable and people-centred leadership, saying development should benefit residents across the county.

Kenei formally entered the Uasin Gishu gubernatorial race earlier this year, joining a field of aspirants seeking to challenge incumbent Governor Jonathan Bii in the 2027 contest. The Star reported in August that Kenei had declared his intention to contest for the seat, describing the race as increasingly competitive. 

His recent activities have focused on taking his message directly to residents and community leaders. Earlier this month, he held a consultative meeting with residents and opinion leaders in Kapseret, where he similarly highlighted economic empowerment, accountability and inclusive development. 

Kenei has also been linking his political message to his background in business and trade advocacy, presenting himself as a candidate focused on investment, job creation and service delivery. 

The Ripmoy meeting therefore adds agriculture and livestock development to the issues dominating his ongoing grassroots consultations, with the aspirant seeking to build support by addressing concerns raised directly by residents.

As the 2027 political activities gather momentum in Uasin Gishu, Kenei is positioning his campaign around the message “Dawa ya Uasin Gishu,” while promising what he describes as practical and people-centred leadership.