COUNTY PREPARES TO HOST GOVERNOR’S DAY WITH FARMERS

Kakamega County Deputy Governor H.E Prof. Philip Museve Kutima Monday hosted a delegation from a German organization TMG led by the Managing Director Alexander Mueller at the County offices in preparation for the Governor’s Day with Farmers event that will be held this Tuesday at Bukura Agricultural Training Centre in Lurambi Sub-County.

The DG who represented H.E the Governor Dr FCPA Wycliffe Ambetsa reiterated the role of agriculture as the foundation of socioeconomic development and pointed out some of the initiatives put in place by the County Government since inception of devolution to improve agriculture such as providing subsidized farm inputs; launching agricultural education programmes, and promoting adoption of dairy farming.

On his part, Mr. Alexander Mueller observed that interactions between the Government and farmers is vital for formulation of high-level policies that are executable at the local level and stressed on the need to incorporate such initiatives into the County’s Integrated Development Plan (CIDP). The MD reiterated TMG Research’s continued support for sustainable agricultural projects to boost food production in the County while protecting natural resources especially trees and soil.

Agriculture CECM Mr. Geoffrey Omulayi reminded farmers to purchase the County’s subsidized farm inputs at the nearest Ward offices as the planting season fast approaches.

CPA Amb. James Ochami, the County Secretary and Head of Public Service, reminded farmers that information on weather and soil is important to them as it will guide among others the type of crops they plant as well as how to market their farm produce.

Kakamega County Farmer Association’s (KACOFA) outgoing Chairperson Joseph Ngaa thanked the County Government for realizing a vision that farmers have had since 2015. He said that the Governors’ Day with Farmers presents a platform through which the farmers can hold meaningful dialogues with policymakers and propose homegrown solutions to policy gaps.

The Kakamega Governor’s Day with Farmers will also set an example that can be emulated by other devolved units in Kenya by providing a basis on how to proactively engage farmers in the policy-making process so as to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of agricultural extension services. It is expected that the outcomes of the Day will contribute to formulation of policies that empower farmers to reach their individual aspirations while contributing to sustainable national food security.