Nakuru:The County Government of Nakuru has allocated Sh37 million to equip 50 Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOs) with digital equipment and office furniture. This initiative aims to strengthen farmer-led institutions and modernize agricultural extension services throughout the region.
According to Kenya News Agency, the program is part of the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP) and seeks to enhance the capacity of farmer cooperatives. The focus is on embracing technology, improving operations, and serving as platforms for agricultural information sharing, financial inclusion, and economic empowerment.
Deputy Governor Dr. David Kones highlighted the importance of this investment during a distribution exercise at the Agriculture Training Centre (ATC) Soilo. He stated that the digital equipment would enhance the SACCOs’ record-keeping, accountability, and access to agricultural information, thus facilitating better service delivery to farmers.
Dr. Kones noted that the financial support provided through Inclusion Grants aims to address operational challenges faced by farmer cooperatives. These grants cover expenses such as office rent, furniture, ICT equipment, and member mobilization activities, ultimately enhancing cooperative efficiency and transparency.
Chief Officer for Cooperatives and Entrepreneurship, Kibet Kurgat, emphasized that the digital infrastructure will eliminate inefficiencies associated with manual processes. It is expected to improve financial accuracy, maintain member databases, and generate reliable decision-making reports.
The NAVCDP, a five-year initiative by the Government of Kenya with World Bank financing, focuses on transforming smallholder agriculture into commercially viable and climate-resilient farming. By equipping Nakuru SACCOs with modern ICT facilities, the program supports the broader goal of strengthening farmer institutions and improving smallholder farmers’ livelihoods.
