Migori: Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, has announced the recruitment of 300 youth as agripreneurs in Migori, aligning with Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). This initiative emphasizes agriculture to achieve 100 percent food and nutrition security for all Kenyans.
According to Kenya News Agency, Koskei made the announcement after laying a foundation stone at Madaras Senior School and International Curriculum Campus and inspecting the Lower Kuja Irrigation Project-Phase II in Nyatike Sub-county, Migori. He emphasized that food security is a key government agenda, with irrigation projects playing a critical role in achieving this goal.
The newly recruited agripreneurs are part of the government’s broader agenda to create job opportunities for young people by empowering them in agriculture to support local farmers in sectors such as rice and sugar. The BETA program aims to transform rural communities from subsistence to commercialized farming, focusing on youth a
nd digital innovation.
Koskei highlighted the ongoing expansion of the agripreneur recruitment process, with fifteen counties completed and others continuing to select agripreneurs to support farmers and boost economic growth. He encouraged Migori farmers to increase their produce in agriculture and fishing to enhance the county’s food security.
Principal Secretary for Irrigation, Ephantus Kimotho, stated that the Lower Kuja Irrigation Project, once completed, will contribute significantly to the country’s rice production. The project is expected to generate 70,000 metric tonnes, enhancing food security and creating job opportunities in the food production chain.
Meanwhile, Principal Secretary for Agriculture, Paul Ronoh, noted that the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) has facilitated access to subsidized fertilizers for farmers in Migori, reducing transportation costs. Ronoh also mentioned that NCPB depots across the country are prepared to purchase maize from farmers, offering competitive prices to bo
ost local production.
Migori Governor Ochillo Ayacko expressed optimism about the progress of the Kuja Irrigation Block 2.1 project, highlighting its potential to bring 19,000 acres under rice production. The initiative is expected to significantly contribute to local agricultural output and the national food security agenda, with the newly recruited agripreneurs providing essential technical support to farmers.