Kisumu inks deal to set up new agricultural hubs to support cereal growers

A new collaboration between the County Government of Kisumu, the Cereal Growers Association (CGA) and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) has led to the establishment of Farmer Service Centres (FSCs), strategic hubs designed to enhance agricultural support and food security efforts across the region.

According to Kisumu County Agriculture executive Kenneth Onyango, the joint initiative is a significant step towards boosting extension services and advancing the county’s broad food security agenda.

“This initiative, alongside our other agricultural reforms, brings synergy that will drive real change in how farming is done here,” he said.

He emphasized the county’s commitment to inclusivity, stating that no farmer in Kisumu should be left behind as the county pursues inclusive and transformative agricultural policies for its’ residences.

Dr. Osia Mwanje, CGA’s lead for business partnerships, described the FSCs as a one-stop shop tailored to the needs of smallholder farmers.

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“These centres will bundle key services under one roof to meet the needs of smallholder farmers more efficiently,” he said, highlighting essential components such as input supply, mechanization, extension services, market access, microfinance, and farmer training.

“With land sizes shrinking and climate change posing growing challenges, we must invest in systems that maximize yields, protect our soils and secure food supplies,” Mwanje added.

GIZ policy adviser Evans Asena said the Kisumu FSCs would also serve as learning and demonstration platforms focused on sustainable practices.  “They will focus on agro-ecology, sustainable food systems and climate-smart agriculture,” Asena said.

“We are aligning our efforts with the county to avoid duplicating programs and instead scale what has proven effective,” Asena added.

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County agriculture director Walter Odum said the County currently has 115 extension officers serving various wards but acknowledged that the FSC model offers more direct engagement as it closes the outreach gap.

“This system will bring practical, hands-on support directly to the farmer, where it is needed most,” he said.

The centres will be operated by trained agripreneurs selected through a joint effort between local communities and the county administration. Besides Kisumu, the pilot program extends to Nakuru and Kakamega, aiming to reach over 40,000 farmers. Insights from the pilot will guide the broader rollout across 32 additional counties.

By Masaki Enock

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