SHS. 23 MILLION LUGARI SMART FARM LAUNCHED

Kakamega Deputy Governor who also doubles up as the County CECM for Agriculture, Irrigation, Cooperatives, Livestock, Veterinary Services and Fisheries today led hundreds of Lugari residents in launching Lugari Dairy Smart Farm at Kabras County Polytechnic in Chevaywa ward, Lugari sub county.

The smart farm, constructed by the county government of Kakamega at a cost of Shs. 23 million, will serve as a learning centre for agriculture (dairy farming) students at the polytechnic. Tuition fees for students in County polytechnics is fully funded by the County government.

“We are investing in this project to equip students and farmers with knowledge in dairy farming to increase milk production in the County,” he said.

The project that sits on a 10 acre piece of land at Vuyika will also serve as a milk collection centre for farmers before delivery to Malava Dairy plant once the factory is operational.

“For the doubting Thomases who are moving around asking questions to the wrong audience for selfish gains on why Malava Dairy factory is not functional to date, my message to them is that government projects are not run like fast foods outlets; there are well crafted procedures that must be complied with before the actual roll out of these programmes is undertaken,” said Prof. Kutima.

Currently, the smart farm project is fully functional in Lurambi and Matungu sub counties at Bukura and Matungu polytechnic respectively. All the 12 Sub Counties will be covered.

The deputy governor advised the residents and farmers to plant hay (grass) and desmodium for the animals adding that the project is of great economic importance to them.

In attendance was Kakamega County Assembly deputy speaker Hon. Leonard Kasaya, Chairman of the Agriculture Committee at the assembly Hon. Geoffrey Omumatera, area MCA Hon. Barasa Wambulwa as well as several MCAs. Also present was the Chief Officer Dr. Kelly Nelima, Kakamega Dairy Development Corporation (KDDC) CEO Mr. George Omusula and the board’s Chairman Mr. Andrew Okumu as well the sub county administrator for Lugari Jairus Omulako, among others.

Later on, the Deputy Governor proceeded to the neighbouring Mukhalanya A area in Lugari sub county for a funds drive in aid of Lucy Buyayi’s medical bills. Lucy sustained serious injuries in a grisly road accident at Lwandeti last month.