By M, KNA
The County Government of Kirinyaga has intensified farmer training and extension services aimed at transforming smallholder farming into a profitable and sustainable enterprise.
Through county-organized training programmes, farmers are being equipped with practical skills in animal breeding, nutrition, risk management and market access. These initiatives are enabling farmers to increase production, reduce post-harvest losses and earn higher returns from their farming activities.
The value chain–targeted trainings, led by the County Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Veterinary and Fisheries, are focusing on closing key gaps that have hindered profitable agricultural production. In livestock farming, the department—working in collaboration with Biosciences Kenya and CIC Insurance—has identified proper animal nutrition, mineral supplementation, improved genetics and agricultural insurance as critical drivers of productivity and income security that require sustained support.
Addressing farmers during a livestock training meeting at Mbiri town in Njukiini Ward, Governor Anne Waiguru said the steady gains being recorded across the agricultural sector are a result of deliberate county investment in capacity building and extension services. She noted that dairy farming remains a key economic pillar in Kirinyaga and continues to benefit from targeted county-led interventions.
“Dairy farming is a major contributor to our economy, and we have deliberately supported farmers through improved cattle breeds using artificial insemination, better animal feed production, disease control and strong extension services,” Waiguru said.
The Governor added that the county has invested in capacity building for four dairy cooperatives to strengthen governance, efficiency and market access. As a result of these interventions, she said, farmers are recording higher productivity and improved returns from dairy farming.
“Milk production has increased from an average of 2.5 litres per cow to about 7 litres per cow per day, translating to an annual production of 86 million litres valued at Sh3.1 billion,” Waiguru said.
She emphasized that extension services remain central to the county’s agricultural transformation agenda, ensuring farmers receive timely technical support and practical solutions that respond to local challenges.
Speaking at the same function, Biosciences Kenya representative Joel Muchia said the training sessions were addressing long-standing gaps that have limited dairy farmers’ output.
“Farmers are willing to produce more milk, but many lack adequate knowledge and resources on proper feeding and improved genetics,” Muchia said.
He explained that the training focused on quality mineral supplements, proper feeding regimes, improved breeds and adequate water supply, which he described as essential for increased milk production. Muchia added that collaboration with the County Government has ensured farmers receive practical, income-focused knowledge that directly improves productivity.
“We feel privileged to be here to train farmers so they can produce more milk and have more money in their pockets,” he said.
Farmers are also being trained on agricultural insurance, helping them understand how to cushion their enterprises against losses caused by disease outbreaks, climate shocks and other production risks. CIC Insurance has been supporting the sensitization of farmers on suitable insurance products tailored for smallholder farmers.
Farmers attending the trainings said the county’s consistent extension services are delivering real impact at the grassroots level.
Stephen Macharia, a dairy farmer from Muriganio Self Help Group in Njukiini Ward, said county-supported trainings had strengthened the group’s production planning and management. He added that through county coordination, the group was among 230 farmer groups selected to receive milk coolers, significantly improving milk handling and reducing post-harvest losses.
“Our group has benefited from silage-making support, improved fodder storage and technical guidance, enabling members to maintain feed quality throughout the year,” Macharia said.
Another farmer, Mwaniki Mbugua, said decentralized trainings had ensured agricultural knowledge reached farmers at the grassroots, improving productivity and incomes.
Joyce Wanjiku Mwangi, a poultry farmer from Njukiini Ward, said the trainings had empowered small-scale farmers who are often overlooked. She noted that farmers had learnt about insurance through CIC, helping them manage losses and safeguard their investments.
“We have learnt a lot, and these programmes have helped us earn and grow. Through NAVCDP, we have accessed affordable credit through SACCOs, enabling us to reinvest and make more money,” she said.