The cooperative movement in Trans Nzoia County has received a major boost after the county government, operationalized large-capacity cereal driers across several key cooperatives. The move is part of the county’s Post-Harvest Loss Management Initiative, aimed at helping farmers reduce grain losses and improve profitability.
Through the Department of Agriculture and Cooperatives, the county has ensured that several grain driers, each with a capacity of between 70 and 80 bags per hour, are now fully functional. The facilities have been installed in strategic cooperatives including Mavuno Cooperative Society and Suwerwa Kapterit Cooperative Society in Cherang’any, Kwanza Local Poultry Cooperative and Kapsitwet Cooperative in Kwanza, and Nzoia Grains Cooperative in Endebess.
Farmers have been urged to deliver their maize to the nearest drier at subsidized rates to maintain grain quality and prevent losses caused by delayed or improper drying. County officials have also confirmed that plans are underway to install additional driers in Saboti and Kiminini sub-counties to ensure all regions are adequately served.
Speaking during the unveiling, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture and Cooperatives, Phanice Khatundi, said the initiative reflects the county government’s commitment to empowering farmers through strong cooperative structures. “We recognize that cooperatives are the backbone of our agricultural sector. By equipping them with modern grain driers, we are ensuring farmers get value for their hard work while reducing post-harvest losses that have long affected productivity,” Khatundi said.
She added that the county is keen on promoting both large and small-scale farming through appropriate technologies. “Our large-capacity driers will serve farmers with bulk produce, while the solar bubble driers distributed through CBOs and cooperatives will support smallholders. This ensures that no farmer, regardless of scale, is left behind,” she explained.
The smaller, solar-powered driers are already in use across the county through community groups such as Mavuno Cooperative in Motosiet, Sinyereri Cooperative in Sinyereri, Kapsara CBO in Makutano, and Sitatunga Collection Centre in Sitatunga. Others include Matendo CBO and Bidii Kaptumbo CBO in Cherang’any/Suwerwa, Miltop CBO and Umoja Kapcheplanget CBO in Chepsiro/Kiptoror, Kwanza Grains Cooperative in Kwanza, and Destiny and Jupiter cooperatives in Keiyo.
The initiative underscores the county’s vision of a modernized, cooperative-driven agricultural economy.
“By strengthening cooperative institutions and investing in post-harvest infrastructure, the county government is enabling farmers to protect their produce, improve storage quality, and increase their bargaining power in the market.” Khatundi said
She emphasized that the county will continue partnering with farmer groups and cooperatives to ensure sustainability. “We want to make farming more rewarding by cutting losses, promoting value addition, and ensuring farmers can access reliable markets through organized cooperatives,” she noted.
The initiative is expected to significantly reduce post-harvest losses, boost farmer incomes, and enhance food security across Trans Nzoia County.
Khatundi added that Governor Natembeya’s administration has reiterated its commitment to supporting cooperatives as key partners in agricultural transformation and rural development.
By Godfrey Wamalwa
Get more stories from our website: Sacco Review.
For comments and clarifications, write to: Saccoreview@
Kindly follow us via our social media pages on Facebook: Sacco Review Newspaper for timely updates
Stay ahead of the pack! Grab the latest Sacco Review newspaper!
