In a landmark move that could transform the agricultural sector, Uasin Gishu Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii Chelilim and Agriculture Principal Secretary Dr. Paul Rono presided over the unveiling of a series of key initiatives designed to revolutionize the county’s farming sector.
Speaking at the event, Agriculture PS Dr Paul Rono lauded Uasin Gishu’s efforts, stating that the programs align perfectly with the national government’s agenda for economic transformation and food security.
“With this vaccination program, coffee expansion, and the embrace of JUNCAO grass, our farmers are poised for real empowerment, and we envision a dollar economy rooted in agriculture, and Uasin Gishu is leading the way. This county is well on its path to becoming a coffee production hub, and we are welcoming investors to support that vision,” said the PS.
PS Rono also emphasized the importance of regulation in the agricultural sector, noting the government’s ongoing verification of pesticides and commitment to eliminating unauthorized products from the market further urging farmers to embrace artificial insemination (AI) services, which have now been made more affordable, and to focus on upgrading livestock breeds for better milk yields.
“We don’t want Uasin Gishu to just be a breadbasket, but we want it to be a wealthy basket, and our goal is to put farmers at the forefront, with access to better markets, packaging, and production technologies,” he added.
The Principal Secretary also directed that all extension officers issued with motorcycles must hold valid driving licenses and encouraged a disciplined, farmer-first approach in their operations.
Dr Bii announced that Uasin Gishu has made history by becoming the first county in Kenya to pilot an e-voucher-based animal vaccination program.
The initiative, which begins in Sergoit Ward, allows farmers to access Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccines at a highly subsidized cost of Sh 17 per animal, down from the previous Sh 150.
Backed by Sh 2.7 million in funding and implemented through the Tuiyotich Cooperative, the program is targeting 20,000 animals. It also introduces digital animal IDs and leverages automated payments through Safaricom to ensure transparency and accountability.
“This is a historic step for our county and a model for the rest of the country, we are empowering our farmers with affordable, tech-driven solutions that will protect their livestock and improve productivity,” said Dr Bii.
As part of broader efforts to enhance agricultural extension services, the county unveiled 21 new motorcycles distributed to ward-level agricultural officers to enhance service delivery, ensuring that farmers receive timely support and technical guidance and also launched the distribution of 133,000 coffee seedlings to the farmers, a move embraced by ready awaiting prepared farmers.
The Governor also disbursed cheques worth Sh 2.42 million to Sugutek Farmers’ Cooperative Society (FCS) and Sh 2.64 million to Tuiyotich FCS to support the cooperatives.
The funds are designated for solarization projects under the Enterprise Development Grant Program, which aims to improve energy efficiency and sustainability in farming operations.
Additionally, the county and national government teams’ rollout JUNCAO grass, a high-yield, protein-rich fodder crop capable of six harvests annually, supporting up to 18 animals per acre.
The county will also establish 28 demonstration plots across various wards to promote the adoption of this fodder, to significantly boost dairy production.
Deputy Governor Evans Kapkea echoed these sentiments, praising the integration of Governor Bii’s Nguzo Kumi development framework with the BETA agenda.
“It’s now up to us farmers to seize the opportunities offered and uplift ourselves economically,” he said.
Augustine Choge, head of the BETA Implementation Team, confirmed that the e-voucher system is already in effect, with all cattle registered in the system.
Present were County Secretary Dr Philip Melly, County Executives led by Dr Sam Kottut (Agriculture), National Government officials, Chief Officers Elphas Kesio (Agriculture), Nixon Cheplong (Livestock), Members of County Assembly David Keitany (Sergoit) and Jonathan Ngetich (Kaptagat), Directors, project Coordinators among others.
By Ekuwam Sylvester
