News Categories: Agriculture, Livestock and Cooperative Development

On Monday, the Green Belt Movement held an important stakeholder, leadership, and governance meeting towards sustainable environmental conservation and management in Nandi County. Their advocacy aims to facilitate change and the development of new areas of policy in order to tackle unmet health needs in the community. The County Government of Nandi is in partnership with GBM, the National Government, Donors, Kenya Forest Service (KFS), Community Forest Association (CFA), Research Organizations, Civil Society Organizations, and Community groups.

The partnership aims at rehabilitating priority watersheds of degraded sites of the Mau Forest Ecosystem. The project targets the Mau complex, a critical ecosystem whose waters feed into Lake Victoria and the Nile River. This is well-aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13 and SDG 15 of the UN 2030 agenda for sustainable development and also the AFD country strategy for Kenya 2018-2022.

The success of the partnership has resulted in the planting of 149,000 and 156,000 trees in Nandi for the years 2018 and 2019 respectively, done through community participation.

The Chief Officer of Agriculture Mr. Wilson Lelei assured of the County Government of Nandi’s focus objective towards mobilizing and rallying support for environmental resources protection. “We as the County Government of Nandi will ensure that we work with Green Belt Movement to ensure our natural resources are protected.”

Chief Officer Agriculture, Mr.Wilson Lelei.

The Deputy Executive Director Madam Mercy Karunditu said that the partnership goal is to mobilize communities to restore biodiversity, improve water quality, and sustain livelihoods through landscape management, watershed restoration, and good governance practices by December 2024.

Executive Deputy Director Green Belt Movement (GBM), Mercy Karunditi.

The activities of the project aim at restoring and rehabilitating degraded landscapes in Mau forest ecosystems and empowering the community to tailor efforts towards sustainable eco-friendly activities.

Also present was Kenya Forest Service and Community Forest Association.

The indigenous chicken value chain in Nandi County and the country at large is still characterized by low production and productivity; largely attributed to low adoption of modern husbandry practices.

The County Government of Nandi through ASDSP Programme is undertaking various poultry projects across the county which include development of viable option innovations to increase productivity of indigenous chicken value chain through utilization of high capacity incubators, hatchers and brooders.

Use of incubators and hatchers is a technology that aims at increasing supply of chicks to farmers in the county and beyond. This will ensure consistent and efficient supply of chicks and this will lead to increase in profitability and productivity of chicken and its products.

It is in light of the foregoing that the County Government of Nandi through the ASDSP has acquired and stationed TWO modern poultry incubators at Kaimosi Agricultural Training College (ATC) with capacities to process 2112 eggs each, in a single hatchling. It has also equipped the institution with FOUR brooding panels with capacities to brood 700 chicks each.

Poultry incubators

Chick brooders is an approach that aims at reducing mortality rate of chicks which eventually increases the number of chicks and enhances productivity at production stage.

The brooders will be complimented with vaccination of chicken through training of personnel and farmers to carry out the vaccination exercise. This will result in increase of chicken and its products available for trading.

Once operational, interested farmers’ will have a chance to source vaccinated chicks from the ATC at a competitive and subsidised prices.

The acquired equipment is a state of the earth facility that has special features that include:
CCTV cameras for surveillance of the operations, Self-disinfection and sterilization using UV rays to manage hygiene and potential pathogens.

Equipped with extra spare components to minimize spoilages in case of breakdown, the equipment has full aluminum parts to prevent corrosion, automatic for ease of management. The incubator can also operate on AC and DC power while the brooders can also operate using gas.

Intelligent computerized software that can enable management of the processes remotely in the absence of personnel around the hatchery. #TransformingNandi

In an effort to support Nandi Dairy Cooperative Union (NDCU) members access a feed analyzer for improved quality feed and enhance capacity of producer Value Chain Actors (VCA) increase milk productivity, the County Government of Nandi has availed to the union necessary milk testing & feed analyzing kits.

To utilize viable innovations for increased milk value chain productivity through use of feed analyzers and milk testing kits, the county department of Agriculture through the ASDSP programme on Wednesday delivered the equipment to the NDCU board members at NCC in Kabiyet.County Government of Nandi avails to the union necessary milk testing & feed analyzing kits.

It is expected that the acquired testing kits will address the challenges faced by farmers including; Low quality/Unstandardized feeds, Non Compliance to regulations by milk handlers and feed processors, Unscrupulous business men (Milk adulteration), High prevalence of aflatoxins in feeds and High levels of antibiotic residues in milk.

#TransformingNandi

Nandi’s vibrant move to champion for aggregation, marketing and value addition within the Agriculture Sector has attracted the attention of other counties as evident in a visit by Agriculture Officers and farmers from Trans Nzoia visiting Nandi County.

The visit is a farmer-to-farmer exercise aimed at exchanging ideas on how to improve Agriculture Sector in one of the country’s food basket – Trans Nzoia County.

The farmers’ delegation is being led by Trans Nzoia’s CECM for Agriculture Hon. Mary Nzomo and was received by the Chief Officer incharge of Agriculture. Mr. Wilson Lelei.

Chief Officer Agriculture, Mr.Wilson Lelei in talks with CECM Agriculture Tranzoia County, Hon. Mary Nzomo.

Speaking after paying a courtesy call to the department of Agriculture, the visiting CECM said that they are in the county to witness practically how the county is championing for aggregation, marketing and Value addition in the sector with a keen eye on Maize Value Chain.

To sample the effectiveness of the county Government’s interventions geared towards supporting maize farmers, they visited Nandi KENAFF milling facility at Kapchuriai in Chepkunyuk Ward, Cheptarit Star aggregation and marketing centre as well as Sokhin Ogilgei-lel who are into value addition in Lelmokwo Ngechek Ward.

Milling Benchmark.

#TransformingNandi

In an effort to develop viable innovations for increased fish value chain productivity, improve households income and boost food security, the County Government of Nandi through the ASDSP programme is undertaking various fish farming programmes and projects across the county; through establishment of a fish hatchery and capacity development of value chain actors.

Fingerlings Hatcheries

In Tinderet Sub County for instance, the County administration is establishing a fingerling hatchery structure, setting up and installation of a complete fingerling hatchery unit complete with a modern dumping fish pond at Senetwo Fish Farm in Songor-Soba Ward.

Senetwo Fish Farm

According to officer incharge of fish the Value Chain (VC) Mr. Job Sitienei, one of the gaps identified by actors in the VC through the Strategic Integrated Value Chain Action Plan (SIVCAP) process was limited supply of fingerlings. “The current demand of fingerlings stands at 1,439,560 against a supply of 111,000 produced per year.” ~ noted Mr. Sitienei.

With the coming up of a new fingerling hatchery in the county that is; unique, efficient, cost effective, climate smart and sustainable in the long run as compared to the conventional fingerling hatcheries, Mr. Sitienei is positive that the demand gap in fingerling supply shall be bridged. He added that the technology can therefore be easily adopted and replicated by other fish value chain actors.

Speaking while inspecting the project, Chief Officer incharge of fisheries Wilson Lelei said that the goal of the project is to increase market volumes from 111,000 to 1,439,560 fingerlings through establishment of fish hatchery and capacity development of value chain actors for improved income and food security by June next year.

Chief Officer, Mr. Wilson Lelei inspecting an hatchery.

The new fish hatchery has a capacity to hatch 50,000 fingerlings in a single hatchling translating to 150,000 fingerlings monthly.

#TransformingNandi

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Nandi County’s partnership with Koitaleel Samoei University College is bearing fruits as the university plans to establish Faculty of Agricultural and environmental studies at Kaimosi ATC in Kapkangani Ward- Emgwen Sub County.

The County’s key departments together with the university held a public Participation forum on the consideration, suitability and establishment of the faculty in the facility.
Officials from both the University and the various county departments together with stakeholders engaged the public through consultative sessions and obtained their views & concerns regarding the plan.

Representing the County Secretary, the CECM for Lands, Environment and Natural Resource, Dr. Philemon Bureti, said that the county is pleased to partner with the university in creating more learning opportunities. He further called upon the citizens to support the initiative and promised that inputs and concerns from the public will be taken into consideration.

The Principal, Koitaleel Samoei University College, Prof. Jackson Too expressed his gratitude for the partnership that availed the opportunity to establish one of their faculties. He added that the initiative will help in expanding the university and creating better learning environment.

In attendance were: Ag. CECM for Administration- Drice Rono; Deputy Majority leader and MCA Chepkumia Ward- Wilson Sang; Chief Officers for Education and Vocational training- Scolastica Tuwei and that of Agriculture- Wilson Lelei; MCA Kapkangani Ward- Eliud Kirongo, Director for Public Participation- Naomy Ketter and Principal Kaimosi ATC among others.

Through the Department of Agriculture and Co-operative Development in partnership with the National Cooperative Business Association (NCBA) CLUSA International program, the County Government of Nandi has today launched an Alternative Dispute Resolution Desk (ADR) office at the Co-operative Development offices.

                             ADR Desk.

In recognition of diversity in perspectives that guide the cooperative framework and the need to safeguard peaceful coexistence and social cohesion, cooperatives in Nandi will now enjoy ADR services to resolve in-house conflicts.   Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is a way to settle disputes without litigation, using methods that allow the involved parties to understand each other’s position and help identify mutually satisfactory solutions.

The objective of the new division is to help solve disputes at the grass-root level to tame escalation to tribunal level, normally disadvantaged with procedural factors and delays due to the high number of cases being solved at that level.

ADR mechanism provides an enabling favorable environment for co-operatives to exercise autonomy and cohesiveness in advocating for their objectives and within a shorter span.

Officiating the launch, the CECM Agriculture and Co-operative Development Dr. Kiplimo Arap Lagat, acknowledged the move stating it as a critical component rooted in the cooperative model structure, which upholds democratic principles.

“Cooperatives are the key pillars in the socio-economic development and the institution must be protected to ensure it remains strong in leadership and business“

He urged co-operatives to take advantage of the legitimacy efficiency ADR offers, attributing a strong social cohesive business structure as a key influence in informing institutional market strength

 CECM Agriculture and Co-operative Development, Dr.Kiplimo Arap Lagat addressing the launch.

The host, Dr. Benadatte Tiony, Chief Officer Co-operative Development, stated that the launch signals a bold move by the County Government to chart the future outlook of co-operative societies in supporting development objectives. She also recognized the steadfast support of NCBA CULSA in actualizing the program stating that Nandi is now a step ahead in effecting ease of solving issues within co-operatives.

Chief Officer, Co-operative Development, Dr.Benadatte Tiony speaking during the launch.

Present were representatives from NCBA CULSA, the leadership of co-operative unions, and staff.

 Official Opening of the ADR office

In its mandate of ensuring that the Nandi community is empowered through co-operatives, the department of Agriculture and Co-operative Development is keen on engagement aspects between co-operatives and their members. This gets to be outlined in annual general meetings where member needs form the basis of fast-tracking development policies and strategies, necessitate compliance, and promote value addition.

In light of this, the directorate authored its responsibilities of facilitating governance, in its role of ensuring there is enhanced service delivery to Nandi branch, Ardhi Sacco Society.

Speaking during the engagement, Emgwen Sub County Co-operative Officer, Ms. Mercyline Limo encouraged the members to increase their monthly contribution, towards the society’s goal to increase the Sacco share capital. She stated the importance of a Sacco, having an enlarged share capital, as a sustainable strategy, to the benefit of the members.

Also following the consistent record of increase in areas share capital and members’ deposits, and in comparison to the past two years, she applauded the team for staying committed to the society, as they were informants of the progress despite the economic challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Emgwen Sub County Co-operative Officer, Ms. Mercyline Limo.

On matters progression of the branch, and as an action plan on membership increase and that of securing the future of the society, Mercyline urged the members to mobilize youths to join the membership and even mentor them in areas of representation and governance. Furthermore, she encouraged the members to take advantage of the Sacco appreciation incentive, standing at 1000 shillings when a member brings in three new members.

She attributed an increase in membership as of essential value to ownership implications. She stated that a good number in membership works to the best of the co-operative advantage, which eventually is a direct link to the society’s success.

The objective in which the co-operative directorate builds on is that encompassing bearing of how the co-operative model engages shared responsibility, as the channel of efficiently achieving goals, especially in areas of risk and shared processes for a successful result.

Of the resilience the model provides in new risk initiatives, the County Government of Nandi through the department of Agriculture and Co-operative Development mobilized take up of bamboo, an emerging crop practice, first as an initiative of conserving the wetland areas in Nandi as a liaison with the Department of Land and Natural Resources and second, to have farmers in wetland areas take up this noble initiative, as they benefit economically from the business opportunities the crop provides.

As a composite to the dominant agricultural value chains in Nandi, interested farmers were sensitized to form a co-operative, registered as Nandi Bamboo Co-operative Society. The sense of it was to have them progress together and cushion challenges that may pose, as the farmers get to familiarize their standing in the sector.

On a three-day workshop, the County Government of Nandi through the department of Agriculture and Co-operative Development in partnership with East Africa Bamboo Development Program held sensitization and training to Nandi Bamboo Co-operative Society members target areas farmers and representative counterparts from UasinGishu, Bomet, Kericho, and Busia counties. The workshop was an informative and consultative one that saw an in-depth focus on ways of maneuvering in the venture and holding to a sustainable perspective on the investment. Of major insight was on identifying market opportunities and penetrative linkages to establish strong networks and shareholding in the bamboo market.

Attendees following through the meeting.

Speaking during the workshop Chief Officer Co-operative Development Dr. Benadatte Tiony assured of the County Government’s support in illuminating and making viable the value bamboo farming provides. Of highlight, she informed on the major contribution bamboo contributes to a proactive role in most of the industrialization goal factors namely, climate conservation, economic returns, innovativeness, and infrastructure development.

Chief Officer, Co-operative Development, Dr. Benadatte Tiony addressing the team.

Nandi Bamboo Co-operative Society is now heavily invested in seed propagation and end-product manufacturing done at their warehouse in Aldai Sub County. The society is now looking to expand its market and create viable returns to its members.

Nandi Dairy Union continues to uphold its goal of being the mandate informer and a transformational vehicle on matters dairy economy in Nandi. With such a transformative task, the union continues to seek governance establishments, administrative counsel, resource facilitation, and liaison linkages from the County Government, as both collaboratively move to create and firmly establish a farmer-owned business enterprise dairy environment in Nandi.

The union’s vision to be an industry leader in the production of quality and competitive dairy products has received extensive support from the County Government of Nandi, Department of Agriculture and Co-operative Development under the stewardship of His Excellency Governor Stephen Sang. In the interest of its dairy farmers, the County Government has and continues to nurture the union in all administrative responsibilities as per its ordinance. It also acts as a chief liaison on any matter related to the promotion of economic growth and development facilitated by the union.

Of significance is the commissioning and establishment of the milk processing plant owned and operated by Nandi dairy union farmers through the union.

Chief Officer, Co-operative Development Dr. Benadatte Tiony addressing the union members.

In light of this, on Friday during the union Annual General Meeting, the two parties deliberately consulted on areas of reason and focus on building the sector effectively. The main highlight was the agreement to have a well-positioned perspective approach that will address challenge factors that would otherwise affect stability in price payout to the union farmers.

The union has recorded tremendous achievements in widening its capacity functions and innovative practices for the past year. The Union ascribed its successes to the consistent support of the County Government which has seen build, on matters, bargaining power through bulking of milk, networks with well-performing dairy counties Baringo, Meru, and Makueni, resource support from the National Agricultural Rural Inclusive Grant Program(NARIGP) and Agriculture Sector Development Support Program (ASDSP), a start on bulking and selling of milk to processors which has resulted in an increase and consistent prices, trust and hence unity among its members,  and the confidence in their part in the dairy market to warrant the development of their strategic steps for the period  2020-2024.

Present were delegates from the primary co-operatives, chief officer co-operative development Dr. Benadatte Tiony, officials from the County Government, auditors, and the board of directors.

From left, Chief Officer Co-operative Development, Dr. Benadatte Tiony, and Co-operative Officers from the directorate of Co-operative Development, Mr. Paul Bowen and Mr. Victor Tanui.