Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii Launches Agripreneur Model to Empower Local Farmers
Agriculture remains the cornerstone of Uasin Gishu County’s economy, and Governor Jonathan Bii is reinforcing this by launching a transformative initiative aimed at boosting the agricultural sector. This afternoon, Governor Bii unveiled the **Agripreneur Model**, a new initiative designed to provide direct support to farmers and foster innovation within the sector.
At an event attended by various stakeholders, the Governor announced that the model would connect **210 officers** across the county to deliver crucial services to local farmers. These officers will be tasked with providing on-the-ground expertise, training, and guidance to help farmers adopt modern agricultural practices and improve productivity. They will also serve as a vital link to the Governor’s administration, ensuring that the needs and concerns of farmers are heard and addressed promptly.
Speaking at the launch, Governor Bii reiterated the importance of agriculture to the county’s development, stating that it is “the backbone of our county and a key pillar of my Nguzo Kumi blueprint.” He emphasized that empowering farmers with the right tools, knowledge, and resources is central to building a more resilient and prosperous agricultural economy.
In a further demonstration of his commitment to supporting local farmers, Governor Bii also **handed over a Ksh 6.7 million cheque** to **nine Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs)** operating under the **National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP)**. The funds, aimed at empowering farmers to access credit and finance innovative projects, are expected to play a key role in boosting agricultural production and value addition.
“This funding will help unlock new opportunities for our farmers, allowing them to invest in innovative farming techniques, improve their yields, and participate in the wider agricultural value chain,” said Governor Bii. “With these resources, we are taking significant steps towards ensuring that agriculture remains not only viable but also profitable for our people.”
The **NAVCDP** funding is part of a broader effort by the county government to ensure that agriculture remains at the heart of Uasin Gishu’s economic agenda. By strengthening the agricultural value chain, the Governor is setting the stage for greater economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development.
Local farmers expressed their optimism about the new initiative, with many hopeful that the Agripreneur Model would help tackle some of the long-standing challenges they face, including access to information, market linkages, and financing.
“This is exactly what we have been waiting for,” said one farmer, “We now have access to experts who will guide us, and with the funding, we can improve our production and start new farming ventures.”
The launch of the Agripreneur Model and the funding support to SACCOs is seen as a significant milestone in Governor Jonathan Bii’s vision to make Uasin Gishu a model county in agricultural development, aligning with his administration’s strategic goals of improving livelihoods and creating sustainable economic opportunities for all.
As Uasin Gishu County moves forward, the focus will continue to be on empowering its agricultural community, ensuring that farmers are not only feeding the county but also contributing to the growth of Kenya’s agricultural sector on the national and international stage.
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*For further inquiries, please contact the Uasin Gishu County Public Relations Office.*