Farmers from across the Kerio Valley region turned up in large numbers for a farmers’ field day held at Cheptebo Rural Development Centre, seeking access to certified seeds, agricultural knowledge, and market linkages ahead of the planting season.
Speaking during the event, Centre Director Joseph Kimeli said the initiative has significantly strengthened farmer linkages with key stakeholders in the agriculture sector.
“Today we have successfully brought together farmers and exhibitors, creating linkages that are already bearing fruit,” said Kimeli. “We thank all the exhibitors who came with seeds and technical support to educate farmers in the Kerio Valley region,”.
Kimeli noted that the timely availability of seeds was a major boost to farmers preparing for the rainy season, adding that delays in seed distribution have in the past affected crop production.
“Farmers have been able to buy seeds at the right time without delays. Sometimes seeds arrive after the rains, which disrupts planting schedules,” he explained. “At Cheptebo, we will continue to support our farmers by linking them with the stakeholders they require.”
Farmers who attended the field day expressed satisfaction with the availability of certified seeds and the proximity of services.
Ruben Kipsat, a local farmer, said the event had provided a rare opportunity to access quality inputs at affordable prices.
“I am here to get seeds, and I have found certified seeds from Kenya Seed at affordable prices,” said Kipsat. “We usually suffer at retail shops because they lack variety, are expensive, and often run out of stock. Here, I have found the varieties that I need,”.
Kipsat also urged young people to embrace farming as a viable source of income.
“Youth should venture into farming because it is a form of employment,” he said. “I would like this field day to be held every year and for more centres to be opened to reach more farmers,”.
Another farmer, Night Wanjala, echoed similar sentiments, praising the organizers for bringing essential farm inputs closer to the community.
“We are thankful that these seeds have been brought closer to us,” she said. “They are cheaper compared to retail shops, and I have found maize, coriander, and bean seeds.”
Wanjala encouraged more women to take advantage of such opportunities and actively engage in farming.
“I urge women at home to come out, get seeds, and venture into farming to improve their livelihoods,” she added.
Kimeli concluded that Cheptebo Rural Development Centre continues to play a key role in promoting sustainable agriculture in Elgeyo Marakwet County by connecting farmers with certified input providers, extension services, and modern farming practices.
By Rennish Okong’o
