The Nakuru County government is working on a policy aimed at revitalizing the provision of extension and advisory services across the devolved unit, which are critical for improved agricultural productivity and overall development of the sector.
The Draft Nakuru Extension Services policy acknowledges that a well-functioning agricultural extension service operated by the public and private sectors is one of the critical inputs required for increased agricultural productivity to transform subsistence farming into vibrant, commercial, and modern farming; attain food security; improve incomes; and create wealth and employment opportunities.
Livestock, Fisheries, and Veterinary Services Chief Officer Dr. Michael Cheruiyot said through the document, the county’s administration aims to promote inclusive, climate-resilient, and market-oriented extension services that respond to the evolving needs of modern farmers.
Dr. Cheruiyot said the proposed policy has been crafted to establish minimum service delivery standards, enhance monitoring and evaluation systems, and create strong farmer feedback mechanisms to improve accountability and service quality.
“Ultimately, this initiative is geared towards building a more efficient, inclusive, and resilient agricultural extension system that drives productivity, boosts farmer incomes, and contributes to Nakuru County’s broader development goals,” he stated.
Speaking at the County headquarters when the Technical Working Group (TWG) on the draft policy collected views on the document from members of the public, the Chief Officer highlighted that adequate and efficient delivery of extension and advisory services remains challenging.
This, he said, has been primarily as a result of limited allocation of resources and funding for personnel, training, transportation, and physical and soft infrastructure, including ICT.
“As a result, many farmers and other value chain actors do not receive the support and information they need to guide investments in agriculture and enhance their agricultural practices and productivity,” said Dr. Cheruiyot.
He explained that this policy intends to address effectiveness and efficiency in extension service delivery through measures that include enhancing capacity for extension through human resource management and development, infrastructure for extension, and funding.
It also aims at establishing an integrated knowledge management system, improving research-extension and clientele linkages, improving coordination, and enhancing partnerships and collaboration in extension service provision.
“In addition, the policy establishes frameworks for quality assurance for extension and advisory service providers and provides guidelines on extension approaches and methods to be used,” said the Chief Officer.
The proposed policy, he explained, provides a clear and coordinated framework for extension service delivery, ensuring farmers across the county receive timely, relevant, and high-quality support.
It aims to enhance collaboration among stakeholders, optimize resource mobilization and allocation, and address existing gaps in human and infrastructural capacity.
He noted that the policy, besides helping establish and sustain an efficient, inclusive, coordinated, and evidence-driven agricultural extension system, will further help to entrench extension systems that enhance productivity, resilience, and farmer livelihoods.
The policy, according to the official, is being crafted to promote a coordinated approach involving public, private, and nonprofit organizations to reduce duplication and wastage.
“The policy will provide direction and sustainability in extension services as the policy landscape has evolved and hence the need to address the challenges of devolved government systems and the need for modernization,” the Chief Officer observed.
Chief Officer for Public Participation Edward Gitau noted that the development of the Nakuru County Extension Policy reflects Governor Susan Kihika’s administration’s commitment to inclusive governance by ensuring that farmers and key stakeholders are actively involved in shaping agricultural interventions.
Gitau indicated that the document was rooting for the integration of climate-smart technologies and drought-resistant crop advice into standard extension packages.
“This policy will be significant for Nakuru County because it is expected to streamline extension services, enhance coordination among stakeholders, and ultimately improve service delivery to farmers.
It is not just a document; rather, it is a roadmap that will guide how we deliver extension services across the county. By refining and finalizing it through expert input, we are ensuring that it addresses the real needs of our farmers and aligns with both national priorities and county development goals,” he stated.
The Technical Working Group (TWG) is involving sector specialists, Non-Governmental Organizations, farmers, and researchers towards guaranteeing a participatory process.
The Chief Officer elaborated that the draft policy aims to provide a roadmap for sustainable, data-driven, and localized extension services, noting that it was crucial for addressing gaps in current service delivery and ensuring a more structured approach to agricultural support in Nakuru County.
Gitau pointed out that the draft policy seeks to improve service delivery, address localized agricultural challenges, and align with national and global sustainability goals.
“It covers agricultural, livestock, and fishery services, focusing on enhancing extension, promoting sustainable practices like agroecology, and improving food security. If approved, the document will guide the implementation of extension services, including the hiring of officers and adoption of new technologies to support farmers,” he elaborated.
He observed that the draft policy provides for inclusivity explicitly targeting youth and women who have historically been underserved by traditional systems.
Gitau also emphasized the importance of a well-structured agricultural extension service system, saying, “A robust Agricultural Extension Policy will ensure that our farmers receive accurate, timely, and practical information. Furthermore, it will strengthen linkages between research institutions, extension officers, and farmers, thereby improving productivity in livestock, fisheries, and crop production.”
He stressed that public participation has been central in capturing the real needs, challenges, and priorities of farmers across the county, making the policy more responsive and people-driven.
Gitau said the draft document was encouraging, leveraging Information Communication Technology (mobile platforms and digital connectors) to bridge the gap between a few extension officers and millions of farmers.
“Through this collaborative process, Governor Kihika’s administration continues to demonstrate its commitment to empowering farmers, strengthening agricultural systems, and positioning agriculture as a key driver of economic growth,” stated the Chief Officer.
Subukia Ward Member of County Assembly Isabella Makori pointed out that by incorporating citizen input, the County is not only strengthening transparency and accountability but also building a sense of ownership among farmers, which is critical for successful implementation.
Makori said the initiative was aimed at promoting climate-smart agriculture and environmental conservation to ensure long-term food system resilience. She indicated that the policy further aims to harmonize efforts, improve service delivery, strengthen the agricultural value chain, and promote stronger research-extension linkages.
“We must ensure youth, women, indigenous communities, and resource-poor farmers are not left behind. Inclusivity is a thematic area under the policy. It also introduces accreditation standards for extension providers because currently, anyone can claim to offer extension services without professional qualifications,” said the MCA.
On climate change, she emphasized the importance of local participation in shaping climate-resilient strategies.
“We have conducted climate hearings in communities to understand changes from their perspective. With unpredictable weather patterns, we are helping farmers adopt drought-resistant crops and make informed planting decisions through climate-smart technologies,” the MCA explained.
By Jane Ngugi
