Over 300,000 smallholder farmers across the country are set to benefit from enhanced access to mechanised farming, following the expansion of a Sh500 million financing partnership between Absa Bank, Hello Tractor, and global machinery manufacturer John Deere.
The partnership, which began two years ago, enables farmers to lease tractors on a Pay-As-You-Use basis via Hello Tractor’s mobile platform.
With the initial Sh500 million fully utilised to purchase 100 John Deere tractors, the financing window has now been extended to scale up the service nationwide.
Absa Bank’s Business Banking Director, Elizabeth Wasunna said the expanded facility will bridge the gap in mechanisation and boost food production across the country.
“Through this initiative, we are enabling farmers to cultivate more land efficiently, reduce production costs, and contribute significantly to national food security,” she said.
Speaking during the launch of Hello Tractor’s new hub in Kisumu County, Wasuna said the extended financing was expected to generate over 3,000 new direct jobs and boost food output by nearly 1 million metric tons.
This, she added was expected to inject an additional Sh21.4 billion to the economy and at the same time promote gender inclusion by encouraging more women to adopt mechanised farming.
Hello Tractor Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jehiel Oliver emphasized the holistic ecosystem built around the initiative, bringing together farmers, tractor owners, input suppliers, and agronomists.
He noted that Hello Tractor’s Kisumu hub alone currently operates 50 tractors across 150,000 acres, with the model now expanding beyond Kenyan borders.
“Our hubs serve as anchors for training, input distribution, and expert advice, helping farmers increase both productivity and income,” he said.
Speaking during the same occasion, Kisumu County Executive Committee Member (CECM) in charge of Agriculture Kenneth Onyango lauded the initiative, saying it was set to transition farmers from subsistence to commercial agriculture.
By Chris Mahandara
