The Kakamega government has partnered with SNV Netherlands Development Organisation to strengthen agriculture, create employment opportunities and promote the use of clean energy across the county.
The five-year collaboration is part of the “Power For Food” programme, a regional initiative supported by the IKEA Foundation in partnership with SNV and other development actors.
Under the agreement, the county government and SNV will jointly develop policies aimed at supporting farming and renewable energy investments. The partnership will also focus on training, mentoring and knowledge sharing to enhance productivity and sustainability in the agricultural sector.
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa said the agreement marks a significant step in strengthening engagement with farmers and development partners to address long-standing challenges in agriculture.
“Agriculture remains the backbone of Kakamega’s economy. With this partnership, we want to drive increased production, improve smallholder farmers’ incomes and promote sustainable farming practices that protect our environment,” he said.
Barasa spoke during the signing ceremony that also coincided with the Governor’s Day with Farmers event in Lumakanda, Lugari constituency.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting initiatives targeting women, youth and small-scale farmers, noting that such programmes are key to inclusive economic growth.
The partnership will create jobs, support the growth of agribusiness and expand access to renewable energy technologies for farmers.
“Food security is one of the major pillars of my administration. We need to build our agri-food systems and support farmers in terms of innovation, training and market opportunities, and SNV is a partner that can help us do that,” Barasa said.
SNV country director for Kenya and Burundi Hallam Rebecca urged farmers to shift from subsistence farming to commercial agribusiness to improve incomes and boost resilience.
She said the programme will equip farmers with the skills, partnerships and support systems needed to achieve the transition.
“Renewable energy remains an engine of change and an important tool in the future of agriculture. As part of this partnership, we are exploring how farmers can access affordable, clean energy solutions to increase productivity,” she said.
SNV will also support the county in linking farmers and agribusinesses to new technologies and strategic partnerships aimed at improving efficiency and output.
The organisation will also train county staff and scale up successful agriculture and renewable energy initiatives within the region.
The programme will focus on regenerative agriculture and the productive use of renewable energy, an approach commonly referred to as RA-PURE.
The initiative will be implemented across seven counties, including Kakamega, Busia, Bungoma, Nandi, Uasin Gishu, Kericho and Nakuru.
Under the agreement, the county government will create an enabling environment for investment in agriculture and clean energy, while also supporting planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the programme.
