Nakuru: The Nakuru County government has recruited 98 agricultural extension officers to provide services to local farmers. The employment of agricultural extension officers in the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Veterinary Services comes at a time when Governor Susan Kihika’s administration is working on a policy aimed at revitalizing the provision of extension and advisory services across the devolved unit, which are critical for improved agricultural productivity and overall development of the sector.
According to Kenya News Agency, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Veterinary Services Leonard Bor emphasized the recruitment of the officers as a demonstration of the devolved unit’s commitment towards strengthening agricultural extension services and ensuring farmers receive timely technical support and advisory services. Speaking during the induction of the new staff, Bor acknowledged the previous concerns from farmers regarding the lac
k of access to such services.
Bor highlighted the significance of a well-functioning agricultural extension service operated by both public and private sectors as a critical input required for transforming subsistence farming into a vibrant, commercial, and modern entity. This transformation aims to attain food security, improve incomes, and create wealth and employment opportunities. The newly recruited officers are currently undergoing training on the structures and functions of the County Government and its departments, along with human resource procedures, mental wellness at the workplace, public service values, ethics, and management.
The CECM noted that extension officers play a central role in transforming agriculture through the promotion of modern farming practices, climate-smart technologies, and increased productivity. The county administration aims to promote inclusive, climate-resilient, and market-oriented extension services that respond to the evolving needs of modern farmers. The initiative
is geared towards building a more efficient, inclusive, and resilient agricultural extension system that drives productivity, boosts farmer incomes, and contributes to Nakuru County’s broader development goals.
Chief Officer for Livestock, Fisheries, and Veterinary Services Dr. Michael Cheruiyot stressed the importance of preparing the officers to deliver quality and professional services to farmers while upholding integrity, accountability, and ethical standards in public service. He noted that strengthening extension services remains key to improving agricultural productivity, food security, and farmer livelihoods across the county. Dr. Cheruiyot explained that the recruitment aims to enhance effectiveness and efficiency in extension service delivery through measures such as enhancing capacity for extension through human resource management and development, infrastructure for extension, and funding.
Likewise, Chief Officer for Agriculture Engineer Margaret Kinyanjui encouraged the officers to embrace prof
essionalism, teamwork, and continuous learning. She indicated that the officers will play a critical role in linking farmers with research, innovation, and government programmes aimed at improving food security and household incomes. The induction is seen as a crucial step in strengthening agricultural extension services, which promote the adoption of modern farming technologies, climate-smart agriculture, and timeliness.
Engineer Kinyanjui pointed out that the recruitment of extension officers seeks to improve service delivery, address localized agricultural challenges, and align with national and global sustainability goals. The officers are expected to cover agricultural, livestock, and fishery services, focusing on enhancing extension, promoting sustainable practices like agroecology, and improving food security. A robust agricultural extension system will ensure that farmers receive accurate, timely, and practical information, thereby strengthening linkages between research institutions, extension offic
ers, and farmers, and improving productivity in livestock, fisheries, and crop production.
