The County Government of Nakuru is developing an Agricultural Extension Policy to provide a clear framework for disseminating knowledge, technology and advisory services to farmers in a bid to improve productivity and livelihoods.
According to the County Chief Officer for Agriculture, Engineer Margaret Kinyanjui, the policy seeks to promote a coordinated approach that brings together public institutions, private sector players and non-profit organisations to minimise duplication of roles and wastage of resources.
Engineer Kinyanjui said the policy will provide direction and sustainability in extension services, noting that the agricultural policy landscape has evolved, creating the need to modernise county systems and address emerging challenges.
Speaking at the county headquarters during a review of the draft policy by a Technical Working Group (TWG), she indicated that the document advocates for the integration of climate-smart technologies and drought-resistant crop advice into standard extension packages.
She described the proposed policy as significant for Nakuru County, saying it is expected to streamline extension services, enhance coordination among stakeholders and ultimately improve service delivery to farmers.
“This policy is a roadmap that will guide how we deliver extension services across the county. By refining and finalising 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,” she stated.
The Technical Working Group comprises sector specialists, non-governmental organisations, farmers and researchers to guarantee a participatory and inclusive process.
Engineer Kinyanjui explained that the draft policy aims to establish sustainable, data-driven and localised extension services. She noted that it is crucial in addressing gaps in the current system and ensuring a more structured approach to agricultural support in Nakuru County.
The policy seeks to improve service delivery, tackle localised agricultural challenges and align county interventions with national and global sustainability goals. It will cover agricultural, livestock and fisheries services, with a focus on strengthening extension, promoting sustainable practices such as agroecology and enhancing food security.
“If approved, this document will guide the implementation of extension services, including the hiring of officers and adoption of new technologies to support farmers,” she said.
Engineer Kinyanjui added that the draft policy places strong emphasis on inclusivity, explicitly targeting youth and women who have historically been underserved by traditional extension systems.
Chief Officer for Livestock, Fisheries and Veterinary Services, Dr Michael Cheruiyot, underscored the importance of a well-structured agricultural extension system, saying it would ensure farmers receive accurate, timely and practical information.
He observed that a robust agricultural extension policy would strengthen linkages between research institutions, extension officers and farmers, thereby improving productivity in livestock, fisheries and crop production.
Dr Cheruiyot noted that the draft encourages leveraging Information Communication Technology, including mobile platforms and digital connectors, to bridge the gap between the limited number of extension officers and the large farming population.
Through the collaborative process, he said, Governor Susan Kihika’s administration continues to demonstrate its commitment to empowering farmers, strengthening agricultural systems and positioning agriculture as a key driver of economic growth in the county.
The initiative also seeks to promote climate-smart agriculture and environmental conservation to ensure long-term resilience of food systems.
Dr Cheruiyot said the policy aims to harmonise efforts among stakeholders, improve service delivery, strengthen the agricultural value chain and foster stronger research-extension linkages.
“We must ensure youth, women, indigenous communities and resource-poor farmers are not left behind. Inclusivity is a key 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,” he said.
On climate change, the Chief Officer emphasised the importance of community participation in shaping resilience 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,” Dr Cheruiyot explained.
The county government expects that once finalised and approved, the Agricultural Extension Policy will provide a comprehensive framework to modernise extension services, enhance accountability and ensure farmers across Nakuru access reliable, professional and responsive support services.
by Esther Mwangi
