𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐚 𝐏𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞-𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐭 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐚 𝐀𝐒𝐊 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰
His Excellency Governor FCPA Fernandes Barasa has outlined a targeted strategy to strengthen food systems, advance climate-responsive agriculture, and spur rural enterprise.
Speaking during the official opening of the Western Kenya ASK Show, Governor Barasa emphasized the need for shared responsibility among producers, institutions, and county agencies in addressing the challenges posed by unpredictable weather patterns and rising food demand. He thanked the ASK Western Kenya Kakamega Branch, led by County Chair Dr. Purity Anyanje, for the exemplary coordination of the event.
Governor Barasa was joined by the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Hon. Mutahi Kagwe, as they presided over the opening ceremony at the Kakamega Showground. Their joint appearance reflects a strong partnership between the national and county governments in championing climate-aware, innovation-driven agriculture.
The show provides a vibrant platform for sharing practical solutions, demonstrating value-added products, and creating market linkages essential to strengthening agribusiness and improving livelihoods across the region.
The Governor outlined a range of county-driven initiatives aimed at supporting producers and modernizing the agriculture sector. These include upgraded extension services, digital tools for field officers, community-based soil testing, and the distribution of 46,000 kilograms of fish feed and KSh 200 million worth of fertilizer to vulnerable households. Livestock farmers have benefited from the One-Cow Programme, expanded dairy units, fish farming equipment, and enhanced veterinary disease surveillance. The county has also partnered with KALRO and NCPB to improve access to research and farm inputs.
Governor Barasa announced key infrastructure projects, including road construction across all 60 wards, and agro-processing facilities in Malava, Lugari, Madala, Butere, and Likuyani among others