Residents and farmers in Uasin Gishu County are poised to benefit from direct connections with exporters, enabling them to tap into the lucrative international market and enhance their financial stability.
The Uasin Gishu County’s Department of Agriculture and Agribusiness hosted a meeting with horticultural crop exporters at the County Headquarters. The focus of the discussion was on strategies to help local farmers transition into the export market, thereby boosting their economic prospects.
Speaking during the meeting, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture Edward Sawe said that the goal was to establish direct links between farmers and exporters, ensuring they can fully capitalize on the international market’s potential.
“As a Department, we aim to elevate the economic status of our farmers and foster sustainable growth within our communities,” said Mr. Sawe.
The meeting concentrated on high-demand horticultural products, such as passion fruits, macadamia nuts, avocados, herbs, and coffee. These crops were previously distributed free of charge to farmers by the county.
A key topic of discussion was the potential advantage of utilizing Eldoret International Airport as a logistics hub for exporting these crops, which could significantly shorten delivery times and preserve product freshness.
Chief Officer for Agriculture, Mr. Elphas Kesio, encouraged farmers to embrace these opportunities for economic growth.
“This is a chance for our farmers to diversify their income sources and tap into the thriving export market,” Mr. Kesio said. “Let’s work together to strengthen the agricultural value chain and ensure our products meet international quality standards.”
He also assured exporters that the county has sufficient number of extension officers across the region to support farmers with the best agricultural practices for horticultural crops destined for export. These officers will also provide guidance on market trends and consumer preferences in various international markets.
