- KDC is engaging Saccos and businesses in Eldoret to expand access to development financing.
- The corporation is targeting agricultural value chains through processing, storage and modern equipment.
- Cooperative leaders are urging farmers to use available financing to strengthen enterprises and boost value addition.
The Kenya Development Corporation (KDC) has taken its development financing drive to Eldoret, bringing together Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations (Saccos), cooperatives, businesses and value chain players to explore investment opportunities aimed at transforming the North Rift’s agricultural potential into greater economic returns.
The engagement focused on improving access to capital for enterprises seeking to expand operations, acquire modern machinery, strengthen working capital and invest in processing and other value addition activities.
KDC Director General Norah Ratemo said the corporation was committed to bringing development capital closer to viable enterprises across the country, enabling businesses to grow, diversify and create more economic opportunities within their communities.
The discussions highlighted the potential of key agricultural value chains, including dairy, tea, coffee, maize, wheat, avocado and livestock. Participants were encouraged to look beyond primary production and explore opportunities in processing, aggregation, storage, logistics and technology.
The shift towards value addition is seen as an opportunity to help businesses capture more value from locally produced goods rather than relying solely on the sale of raw agricultural products.
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For farmers and cooperatives, investments in modern equipment, storage facilities and processing infrastructure could help strengthen market access, improve product handling and create opportunities for higher value products.
Philip Chebunet also called for the revival and strengthening of the cooperative movement. He urged farmers and cooperatives to take advantage of available KDC financing to build stronger enterprises and invest in value addition.
He emphasised the role cooperatives can play in mobilising farmers, pooling resources and creating a stronger foundation for investment in their respective communities.
The Eldoret engagement comes as businesses across the North Rift seek opportunities to build on the region’s agricultural base and strengthen its position as a centre of production, trade and enterprise.
The North Rift Economic Bloc (NOREB) brings together eight counties, namely Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, Nandi, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Baringo, Samburu and Turkana. The bloc provides a framework for regional cooperation aimed at leveraging shared economic opportunities and promoting development across member counties.
By Lizzy Aluga
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