Vihiga County has taken a significant step towards transforming its agricultural sector after 82 agripreneurs were sworn in to support farmers and drive the transition to commercial farming.
The agripreneurs were sworn in by the Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries in partnership with the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP) and the Office of the County Attorney.
Speaking during the ceremony, County Secretary Vincent Chanzu congratulated the agripreneurs and urged them to uphold integrity, professionalism and diligence in the execution of their duties.
He called on them to serve as ambassadors of the county by promoting agricultural production and improving livelihoods at the grassroots.
County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture Julius Maruja and Chief Officer Dr. Betty Mulianga emphasized the importance of collaboration between agripreneurs, agricultural extension officers and other stakeholders within the value chain.
She noted that strengthened partnerships would play a critical role in shifting agriculture from subsistence to commercial production.
NAVCDP County Project Coordinator Charles Aluda said the agripreneurs will support farmer profiling, facilitate digital service delivery, strengthen linkages within agricultural value chains and enhance farmers’ access to information and markets.
He added that the agripreneur model is aimed at promoting commercially driven agriculture and improving service delivery at the grassroots level.
The agripreneurs will be deployed across the county, with each ward expected to have one officer as efforts continue to recruit more personnel to scale up the programme.
by Rose Wasike
