The County Government of Uasin Gishu has launched the Financial Inclusion for Youth and MSMEs in Agriculture (FIYMA) programme, an initiative aimed at expanding access to financing and support services within the agricultural sector, particularly for youth and women.
Implemented in partnership with the County Government, the programme targets priority value chains, including dairy, livestock, poultry, fisheries, Irish potatoes, pulses, fruits and vegetables, while seeking to improve productivity, strengthen food systems and enhance household incomes across the County.
Speaking during the launch at the County Headquarters in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu Governor, Jonathan Bii, described the programme as a timely intervention aligned with the County’s broader agenda of transforming agriculture into a modern, profitable and inclusive sector.
He noted that many young people and women continue to face significant barriers in accessing affordable financing and technical support, limiting their full participation in agribusiness.
“The FIYMA programme is a game changer for our farmers. It will open-up access to affordable financing, strengthen value chains, and empower our youth and women to actively engage in agriculture as a viable and sustainable economic activity,” said Bii.
FIYMA Programmes Manager, Monica Gachucha, emphasized that the initiative goes beyond providing access to credit.
She highlighted its focus on building resilient agricultural enterprises capable of withstanding market and climate-related challenges.
“We are committed to ensuring that beneficiaries, not only access financing, but also gain the knowledge and support needed to improve productivity, add value to their produce and connect to reliable markets,” she said.
The five-year initiative, implemented by the Micro Enterprise Support Programme Trust (MESP) and East Africa Market Development Associates in partnership with NCBA and the Mastercard Foundation, aims to bridge financing gaps while equipping beneficiaries with the skills, tools and market linkages needed to grow sustainable enterprises.
The programme is also expected to play a critical role in promoting inclusive growth by targeting underserved groups, particularly youth and women, who often face systemic barriers in the agricultural sector.
By enhancing financial inclusion and supporting enterprise development, FIYMA is set to unlock new opportunities and drive sustainable livelihoods.
Farmers, youth and women groups and cooperatives interested in participating are encouraged to engage with the Department of Agriculture and Cooperatives for more information.
The initiative forms part of ongoing efforts by the County to strengthen the agricultural sector and expand economic opportunities for its residents.
By Fredrick Maritim
