Mwala: Bernard Musyoki, a farmer based in Mwala, has been named the National Gold Winner of the Tujiamini 2.0 Community Awards for his innovative agricultural solution. Musyoki received Sh1 million for his project aimed at helping smallholder farmers in arid and semi-arid areas cope with unpredictable rainfall and improve food security.
According to Kenya News Agency, the award was unveiled by SportPesa as part of the Tujiamini 2.0 programme’s conclusion of its nationwide tour, highlighting the company’s commitment to supporting grassroots-led solutions. Through this initiative, over Sh30 million has been invested in community projects across the country, supporting various sectors, including agriculture, sports, creative industries, entrepreneurship, and social impact.
Musyoki’s project focuses on early seedling propagation, which allows farmers to transplant crops immediately at the onset of rains. By staying 30 to 45 days ahead of the planting season, the initiative helps farmers significantly reduce crop maturity time, improve yields, and minimise the risk of total crop failure. The project supports maize, cereal, and vegetable farming and has already created five permanent and eight part-time jobs for youth and women in the local community.
Musyoki expressed that the funding would enable him to scale up the project and reach more farmers. ‘This support gives us the capacity to expand what is already working. In ASAL regions, timing is everything. With this funding, we can increase seedling production, reach more farmers, and safeguard livelihoods that depend entirely on rainfall. This award is not just a personal milestone but a vote of confidence in community-driven solutions,’ he said.
In addition to the National Gold Award, three Silver Award winners were also recognised for their community impact. These include Nairobi-based music producer and instrumentalist Mordecai Otieno, who supports emerging artists through production and mentorship. Kapten Branham Wasike was awarded for representing a youth group in Bungoma County that has established sustainable ventures in poultry farming and mobile money services, with plans to set up a community cybercaf©. Mary Chepkoi was recognised for her work with a deaf basketball programme in Kiambu County, creating inclusive opportunities for deaf athletes.
SportPesa’s Head of Partnerships and Sponsorships, Japheth Akhulia, noted that the winners embody the spirit of the Tujiamini 2.0 initiative. ‘Tujiamini was designed to support individuals solving real challenges in their communities. From food security and youth employment to inclusion through sport and the creative arts, these winners demonstrate what can be achieved when belief is matched with opportunity,’ he said.
Tujiamini 2.0 has toured counties across Kenya, covering various regions, and has supported over 488 beneficiaries and 15 grassroots football teams through Gold, Silver, and Bronze Community Awards. As the programme concludes its national rollout, SportPesa states that Tujiamini will continue championing community-based solutions, empowering local changemakers with the resources they need to transform ideas into sustainable impact.
