By Augustine Were
Bungoma County is set to enter a new phase in agricultural development, with the recent launch of the Bungoma County Agriculture Sector Policy 2023 at the Mabanga Agricultural Training Institute in Kabuchai constituency. The event marked a significant step towards securing food security and combating hunger in the region, as Deputy Governor Mrs. Jenipher Mbattiany underscored the importance of robust policies to drive these goals.
In her address, Mrs. Mbattiany emphasized that the new policy initiative is not only focused on increasing food production but also aims to transform agriculture into a sustainable business. She urged the people of Bungoma to see agriculture as more than a source of sustenance—viewing it instead as a viable and lucrative business opportunity that could provide substantial financial returns for families and fuel the county’s economic growth.
"The focus of this policy is to create an enabling environment where agriculture serves as a source of sustainable income for families, fostering prosperity while addressing food security concerns," said Mrs. Mbattiany.
The launch of the Agriculture Sector Policy 2023 was complemented by the unveiling of the Bungoma County Agribusiness Policy 2023, which is designed to further strengthen the agricultural sector. These new policies are built on the successful development of the Bungoma County Soil Management Policy 2023, supported by GIZ ProSoil, and the Bungoma County Food Safety Policy 2023, backed by SAF Africa. Together, they form a comprehensive framework aimed at promoting sustainable farming practices, enhancing soil conservation, and ensuring food safety in the region.
Agriculture Minister Herbat Kibunguchy echoed these sentiments, highlighting the critical role agriculture plays in supporting families, especially when faced with funding limitations in other sectors like education. He stressed that by investing in agriculture, families could create sustainable income streams, thus enabling them to meet educational expenses and invest in the future of their children.
“By focusing on agriculture, we are not only solving food security issues but also empowering families economically, allowing them to support their children’s education,” said Minister Kibunguchy.
In a notable move to ensure the long-term sustainability of these initiatives, the Bungoma County Government has entered into a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Kenya Climate Innovation Center (KCIC). This partnership will focus on safeguarding the future of the Bungoma Business Incubation Hub, which supports young agripreneurs. Key objectives include integrating the hub into county development plans, strengthening resource mobilization efforts, and creating an environment conducive to youth and women’s success in the agricultural sector.
KCIC Director Felix Magaju highlighted the significance of this partnership, stating, “By creating an enabling environment for agripreneurs, we are unlocking opportunities for youth and women to thrive in the agricultural sector.”
The launch event also saw the attendance of key stakeholders, including Agriculture CECM Eng. Herbert Kibunguchy, Chief Officers Andrew Musungu (Livestock & Fisheries), Timothy Wafula (Cooperative Development), and Agriculture Committee Chairperson Wafula Waiti, alongside a host of local MCAs and development partners.
As Bungoma County takes this transformative step forward, the policies launched today signify a bold commitment to ensuring food security, empowering local communities, and creating sustainable economic opportunities for future generations. With a focus on agribusiness and capacity building, the county is poised to lead the way in agricultural innovation and development, fostering a prosperous and food-secure future for all.
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