Uasin Gishu: In a landmark move that could transform the agricultural sector, Uasin Gishu Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii Chelilim and Agriculture Principal Secretary Dr. Paul Rono presided over the unveiling of a series of key initiatives designed to revolutionize the county’s farming sector.
According to Kenya News Agency, Agriculture PS Dr. Paul Rono lauded Uasin Gishu’s efforts, stating that the programs align perfectly with the national government’s agenda for economic transformation and food security. He emphasized the potential of the vaccination program, coffee expansion, and JUNCAO grass adoption to empower farmers and establish a dollar economy rooted in agriculture, with Uasin Gishu leading the way as a prospective coffee production hub.
PS Rono also highlighted the importance of regulation in the agricultural sector, noting the government’s ongoing verification of pesticides and its commitment to eliminating unauthorized products. He urged farmers to embrace more affordable artificial insemination services and focus on upgrading livestock breeds for better milk yields. Rono stressed the ambition to transform Uasin Gishu from a breadbasket to a wealthy basket, prioritizing better markets, packaging, and production technologies for farmers.
Additionally, the Principal Secretary mandated that all extension officers with motorcycles must have valid driving licenses and encouraged a farmer-first approach in their operations. Dr. Bii announced Uasin Gishu’s historic status as the first county in Kenya to pilot an e-voucher-based animal vaccination program.
The initiative begins in Sergoit Ward, offering Foot and Mouth Disease vaccines at a subsidized rate of Sh 17 per animal, down from Sh 150. With Sh 2.7 million in funding, the program targets 20,000 animals, introducing digital animal IDs and leveraging automated payments through Safaricom for transparency and accountability.
Dr. Bii declared this a historic step for the county, empowering farmers with affordable, tech-driven solutions to protect livestock and improve productivity. The county also unveiled 21 new motorcycles for agricultural officers to enhance service delivery, ensuring timely support and technical guidance for farmers. Moreover, 133,000 coffee seedlings were distributed to farmers, eagerly awaited by the farming community.
The Governor disbursed cheques worth Sh 2.42 million to Sugutek Farmers’ Cooperative Society and Sh 2.64 million to Tuiyotich FCS to support solarization projects under the Enterprise Development Grant Program, aimed at improving energy efficiency and sustainability in farming operations.
Furthermore, the county and national government teams rolled out JUNCAO grass, a high-yield, protein-rich fodder crop capable of six harvests annually, supporting up to 18 animals per acre. The county plans to establish 28 demonstration plots across various wards to promote the adoption of this fodder, significantly boosting dairy production.
Deputy Governor Evans Kapkea praised the integration of Governor Bii’s Nguzo Kumi development framework with the BETA agenda, emphasizing the opportunities available for farmers to uplift themselves economically. Augustine Choge, head of the BETA Implementation Team, confirmed the e-voucher system’s implementation, with all cattle registered in the system.
The event was attended by County Secretary Dr. Philip Melly, County Executives led by Dr. Sam Kottut (Agriculture), National Government officials, Chief Officers Elphas Kesio (Agriculture), Nixon Cheplong (Livestock), Members of County Assembly David Keitany (Sergoit) and Jonathan Ngetich (Kaptagat), Directors, project Coordinators among others.
