Uasin Gishu Governor, His Excellency Dr. Jonathan Bii Chelilim, hosted a high-level meeting on Wednesday with a team of Presidential Economic Advisors and Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) to discuss the alignment of his Nguzo Kumi Agenda with President William Ruto's Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). The discussions, held at the governor’s office, focused on ensuring impactful project implementation across all county wards.
The meeting aimed at harmonizing county and national government efforts to optimize resource utilization and address the most pressing needs of citizens. Key sectors highlighted for prioritization included agriculture, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), affordable housing, the digital creative economy, and healthcare.
Deputy Governor Evans Kapkea underscored the importance of synchronizing county initiatives with the national government’s economic blueprint, emphasizing that such coordination would enhance the effectiveness of local projects and improve the welfare of residents.
Enhancing Agricultural Sustainability
One of the major focal points of the discussion was the role of sustainable agricultural practices in boosting food security and economic resilience. Presidential Economic Advisor Dr. Dominic Menjo outlined the potential benefits of sustainable farming techniques, emphasizing their ability to increase production while mitigating the adverse effects of climate change.
His insights resonated with MCAs, who acknowledged agriculture’s pivotal role in the county’s economy. They stressed the need to support farmers with knowledge, resources, and modern technology to enhance productivity and sustainability.
Chief Executive Officer of the Commodity Market Exchange (CMX), Dr. Jacob Maaga, elaborated on efforts to boost milk production in Uasin Gishu through advanced silage production techniques. He pointed out the pressing demand for animal feeds in Kenya, estimating that the country requires approximately 45,000 metric tons of feed to sustain the dairy industry adequately.
“While other countries maintain stable milk production levels, Kenya experiences fluctuations largely influenced by seasonal climatic conditions,” Dr. Maaga noted. He attributed these inconsistencies to a lack of quality animal feeds and urged farmers to embrace better feed production and management strategies.
By equipping farmers with essential resources and knowledge, the initiative aligns with the broader objectives of BETA, which emphasize sustainable development and economic resilience. The move aims to stabilize milk production, thereby ensuring steady incomes for farmers and supporting rural economies.
Key County Officials in Attendance
The meeting was attended by several county officials, including County Executive Committee Members (CECMs) Dr. Sam Kottut (Agriculture), Edward Sawe (Lands), Dr. Abraham Serem (Health Services), and Anthony Sitienei (Water). Chief Officers present included Elphas Kesio (Agriculture), Mark Some (Environment), and Eliud Kipkorir (Finance). Their participation underscored the county’s commitment to fostering collaborative efforts that will drive economic transformation and community development.
The discussions marked a significant step in bridging county and national economic strategies, with a shared vision of improving livelihoods and fostering sustainable growth across Uasin Gishu County.
