EU-IFAD Mission Makes Follow up Visit on Kakamega’s BOOST Project

The EU-IFAD delegation are carrying out follow up visits to establish the status of projects they have jointly funded with the County government of Kakamega in Makava and Navakholo sub- counties. Upon arrival in Kakamega, they paid a courtesy call to the Deputy Governor, Hon. Ayub Savula who affirmed the County Government’s commitment, under Governor Fernandes Barasa, to strengthen partnerships that drive food security and sustainable agriculture.

In Navakholo and Malava, the KCEP-CRAL BOOST project is transforming livelihoods. So far, 3,313 farmers have accessed e-voucher inputs, 254 farmer groups have been trained on agroecology, and two agroecology hubs have been established. These efforts have increased maize yields from 8 to 20 bags and beans from 3 to 8 bags per acre, while also improving incomes, farmer capacity and market access. Equally, 14 agro-dealers have also been supported, boosting local agribusiness.

The Deputy Governor underscored the County’s resolve to empower farmers with resources and skills to increase productivity, while CECM for Agriculture, Mr. Mophat Mandela appreciated the BOOST programme for promoting agroecology, addressing soil health challenges, and equipping farmers with sustainable practices that restore fertility and raise production. EU-IFAD representative, Mr. Abubakar, commended Kakamega County for its outstanding implementation of BOOST projects, noting its alignment with the programme’s objectives.

Also present were chief officers; Mr Emmanuel Kariuki, Agriculture, Mr Daniel Sumba, Cooperatives, the Director, Agriculture, Mr Titus Omengo, and other officials.