The National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP) was officially launched at Kiprugut Chumo Stadium, Kericho, in a high-profile event attended by government officials, stakeholders, and Agripreneurs.
Principal Secretary for Agriculture, Paul Rono called for stronger cooperatives and emphasized the crucial role that agriculture plays in Kenya's economy urging communities to step up agricultural production. "Agriculture is number one, instrumental in human life.
The cooperative sector is where we are heading," PS Rono stated. As part of economic empowerment efforts, the PS Agriculture announced plans to hire 70 young people per ward, while 30 Saccos will be strengthened to support Agripreneurs.
In total, 210 young people will secure employment, ensuring sustainable growth in the agricultural sector. "Agripreneurs need to stand strong since they are young and energetic," Rono reiterated. He noted that distributing fertilizers outside the cooperative structure had been challenging and called for strengthening cooperatives to ensure smooth access to farming inputs.