Siaya banks on SACCOs, youth to boost commercial farming

Siaya County is banking on youth agripreneurs to improve extension services and transform subsistence farming into a commercial sector that drives rural economic growth.

This comes after the county government on Tuesday, May 19, introduced 150 young agripreneurs who will boost grassroots agricultural extension and farmer outreach through the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP).

According to the organisers, the youth will also support local farmers by providing vital agricultural information, modern farming techniques, and market connections.

Speaking during the event,  Siaya County Governor, James Orengo, emphasized that agriculture is the backbone of the county’s economy, noting that the sector contributes to nearly 60 per cent of the county’s gross county product, bringing in approximately Ksh 9.2 billion annually.

“It is an important moment for reflection on whether agriculture can truly become the foundation of broad-based economic transformation in our county. My answer is yes, but only if we move from viewing agriculture as a subsistence activity to recognizing it as a strategic economic sector driven by productivity, enterprise, resilience and markets,” said Orengo.

The governor also distributed cheques to Saccos and farmer producer organizations while also launching the distribution of personal protective equipment to all Siaya markets.

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He noted that the county has set up community-driven development committees across its 30 wards, partnering with 30 Saccos and 13 farmer producer organizations to boost farmers’ institutions and step up market coordination.

“Support to SACCOs through inclusion grants exceeding Ksh 25 million has improved governance, financial inclusion and access to affordable credit for farmers.” He said

Governor Orengo further emphasized key investments under NAVCDP, such as the construction of the Siriwo Rice Mill paddy curing and storage facility valued at over Ksh 40 million and the K’ogonga–Kayundi Irrigation Project valued at over Ksh 29 million.

“These investments are not isolated interventions. They are part of a deliberate strategy to build a modern, resilient and commercially viable agricultural economy,” Orengo stated.

Siaya County Chief Officer for Agriculture Elizabeth Adongo said the county is also undertaking a soil intelligence mapping programme, involving the collection of approximately 2,600 soil samples from all wards to enhance fertilizer efficiency and boost crop productivity.

She underscored that counties need to move beyond concentrating solely on production and instead prioritize the development of stronger market systems and value addition chains.

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“Production without markets creates vulnerability. Production without value addition limits income. That is why we must emphasize organization, enterprise and market systems,” Adongo said.

The County government affirmed that it will continue working closely with the national government, development partners, and private sector stakeholders to expand irrigation, enhance agro-processing, and boost the participation of youth and women in agribusiness.

By Frank Mugwe

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