The Kitui County Government has issued agricultural extension officers with motorbikes in efforts to improve agricultural services to its farmers, a significant step in agricultural transformation in the county.
Area Governor Dr Julius Malombe, while releasing 21 motorbikes to the officers at a ceremony held outside his offices in Kitui town, noted that the initiative aims to strengthen agricultural extension and advisory services, ensuring farmers have timely access to modern farming technologies and best practices.
Malombe emphasized the county’s commitment to advancing the agricultural sector, hence improving food security as well as the livelihood of the county residents, whose main income is agriculture.
Dr Malombe highlighted that the issuance of the motorbikes was in collaboration with the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP) designed to boost production, enhance market participation, and promote value addition among smallholder farmers.
The issuance of 21 motorbikes raises the number of motorbikes so far allocated across the 40 wards to 78. The motorcycles ease the movement of 98 agricultural extension officers.
“These motorcycles are more than just transport; they are tools of transformation. They will enable our officers to efficiently reach farming communities, provide training, and respond to agricultural challenges swiftly,” the governor remarked.
To ensure the effective use of motorcycles, the officers underwent comprehensive training facilitated by Toyota Kenya on road safety, maintenance, and operational compliance.
The officers also received riding gear and toolkits for minor repairs each. The motorcycles are insured under a group policy registered with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).
“Additionally, the Ministry of Agriculture will conduct annual refresher training sessions to ensure adherence to road safety regulations,” added Dr Malombe.
The county has also put in place robust monitoring and evaluation measures, including fault reporting, fuel log verification, and quarterly fuel allocations.
The governor reiterated that this initiative is a deliberate investment in agricultural productivity, service delivery, and farmer empowerment.
He called upon stakeholders, including extension officers and farmers, to collaborate in ensuring the success of the program.
By Shirleen Kavinya and Nguthu Wambua
