Following the success of the Maziwa Ni School Fees initiative, which empowered local farmers and provided much-needed support to parents struggling with inconsistent incomes, the residents of Cheptiret/Kipchamo Ward found themselves at a pivotal moment. Having witnessed firsthand the impact of collaboration, the community realized that they could achieve even greater success by working together. Inspired by the positive outcomes of the milk project, the farmers began to see the potential of forming their own Farmers Cooperative Society.
Determined to create something that would benefit all members of the community, the farmers embarked on discussions about pooling resources, sharing knowledge, and accessing new growth opportunities. They recognized that the future of agriculture in their area could be transformed if they embraced the power of cooperation.
In support of their vision, Chief Officer for Cooperatives Ruth Samoei visited Cheptiret/Kipchamo Ward to offer encouragement and expertise. During her visit, Samoei emphasized the importance of training, benchmarking, and adding value to their agricultural products. "There is strength in cooperation," she remarked, urging the farmers to focus on high-value crops such as dairy, potatoes, and coffee—crops that had the potential to generate substantial returns if managed efficiently and marketed effectively.
The plan was to establish a cooperative in Chebolol, uniting various unions and groups focused on high-value crops. Samoei encouraged the farmers to seek investment opportunities and prioritize the cultivation of these crops to ensure that they could compete in both local and international markets.
Highlighting the importance of market access, financial support, and attracting foreign investors, Samoei stressed that the cooperative would give them the leverage to negotiate better prices and attract better partners. She also emphasized the crucial role of the youth in this initiative, urging them to join the cooperative movement. With new technologies, innovative ideas, and valuable knowledge, young people could bring fresh energy to the agricultural sector.
"By joining forces," Samoei said, "you can aggregate huge quantities of milk and other commodities, giving you the leverage to draw better prices and attract better partners. This cooperative will be your ticket to accessing new opportunities that were once out of reach for individual farmers."
The farmers responded enthusiastically to this vision, eager to embark on a journey that would take their agricultural businesses to new heights. They understood that through cooperation, they could increase their earnings, improve the quality of their products, and create a sustainable agricultural economy for future generations.
Before concluding her visit, Samoei visited a family who had recently been devastated by a fire that destroyed farming inputs and equipment worth Ksh. 2.5 million. She expressed the County government’s commitment to supporting the victims, emphasizing the need for swift intervention to help the affected farmers recover.
"I believe in your vision," Samoei told the farmers. "Together, you will transform the future of agriculture in Cheptiret/Kipchamo Ward and beyond." With renewed hope and a clear plan in place, the residents of Cheptiret/Kipchamo Ward began their journey to form a cooperative, confident that their combined efforts would lay the foundation for a prosperous agricultural future.
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