News Categories: Agriculture, Livestock and Cooperative Development

With the County Government renewed focus in supporting and enhancing cooperative societies’ economic and social capacity, the Cooperative Development department on Friday joined Apple Savings and Credit Cooperative Society Limited a re brand of Kaimosi Tea Farmer Sacco on their 14^th Annual Delegate Meeting held at Kaimosi Agricultural Training Centre.

Gracing the event, Chief Officer Cooperative Development, Dr. Benadatte J. Tiony applauded the society good progress and urged them to continue impacting the society in their role to support the each other economically.

She also recognized the traversing ability Apple Sacco has achieved in serving two counties. The Sacco has expanded its service membership to the neighboring county Vihiga, a unique feature most Sacco’s in Nandi are yet to achieve.

Chief Officer Cooperative Development, Dr. Benadatte Tiony.

The Sacco has also embraced the Front Office Service Activity which is performs banking like activities for the Sacco and is fully integrated with Back Office Sacco Activity.

Dr. Tiony also stressed on the importance of SACCOs. She stated that they are a key component to the economic wellbeing of the society.

She more so confirmed that Cooperative Societies contributes largely to the economic score of Nandi and thus why the government is keen to collaborate and include cooperatives among its key transformational agendas.

“Cooperative societies in Nandi have a share capital of over one billion and a turnover of the same hence they stand as economic and social pillars of communities in Nandi.”

The Chief Officer assured the SACCO of the government support, and pledged to facilitate a capacity building training to the society’s management and members.

She also pledged to give the SACCO 5000 coffee seedlings. The provision of coffee seedlings is among the many programs by the County Government aimed at improving the cooperative sector for more economic benefit to farmers in Nandi.

On that note, she informed the members on the need to use the government resources at their proximity like the Kaimosi Farmers Training Centre and the institution bus to build their organization.

The chief officer also urged the members to put in consideration the principle of good governance for the success and smooth operation of the Sacco.

She highlighted on the cooperative office restructure on the compliance framework.

“The office is channeling more structure to the adherence of legal cooperative governance framework. The emphasis on this will amplify transparency in cooperatives, enhance trust among cooperatives thus lure more people to join cooperatives to the immense benefit of all.

Dr. Benadatte concluded that the department will continue supporting and strengthening cooperative societies saying they are instruments for rapid economic growth in the county.

Apple Savings and Credit Society has over 4000 delegates as a representation of its members and is one of the best performing SACCOS in Nandi.

Also in attendance was a representative from Metropol  Credit Reference Bureau (CRB)  who led the members through an extensive talk on the importance of managing cooperative funds frontly through their systems to discourage loan defaulting  and encourage easy management of cash in the cooperative society.

Emgwen Sub County Cooperative Officer, Bismeth Maleya.

Metropol CRB representative.

Sacco delegates following through the meeting

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has expressed the willingness to deepen the cooperation with the County Government of Nandi in accelerating development programmes.

FAO representative to Kenya Dr. Tobias Takavarasha, disclosed this when he led national officials on a one day visit to Nandi County.

This was enable them assess the development progress and impact of the Land Governance Programme in Nandi County among other programmes supported by FAO.

The Land Governance Programme is being implemented by FAO in partnership with the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning, the National Land Commission (NLC), the National Government and beneficiary County Government’s which include Nandi County funded by the European Union.

While officially receiving the delegation in the County, Deputy Governor Dr. Yulita Mitei, appreciated the partnership Nandi County has enjoyed with FAO in various areas of development and warmly welcomed further cooperation.

Dr. Yulita was particular with the support FAO has offered the County administration in the development of a Geo-spatial Information System (GIS) laboratory that supports the County Government in digitization of records related to land and has greatly influenced in decision making and policy formulation.

Since its launch on  May 18 2019, the GIS laboratory has enabled the user departments develop digital data register, which supports better decision making, planning, implementation and monitoring of development projects.

this has driven key interest in land administration, agriculture, natural resources, planning policy and capacity development.

FAO President who was accompanied by Council of Governors representative Ms. Eve Sawe lauded the county administration for adopting the GIS technology and leveraging the facility on prompt decision making in order to ensure effective service delivery.

The visit presented a unique opportunity for the County Government to connect with FAO and establish viable partnerships and support to the County Government on innovations and technology in Food and Agriculture sectors, with Nandi County seen as a potential food basket to help deliver the President’s Big Four Agenda on Food Security.

The team would later visit Kaimosi Agricultural Training Centre ATC where the County Government has partnered with FAO in setting up of a Milk Processing Incubator for Training purposes.

At Kaimosi ATC Mrs. Truphena Jepketer, a beneficiary of the programme gave a testimonial of how the facility has positively imparted her life and that of other women in the society.

“We are indeed grateful to the County Government and FAO for having facilitated our learning on, among other skills, the art of my milk value addition. We can now process Yogurt and Cheese among other milk end products right here in Kaimosi.” said Mrs. Truphena.

The delegation concluded their tour of Nandi by visiting Sireet OEP Tea factory in Nandi Hills for a fact finding mission where they were hosted for an informal lunch meeting by factory Board led by the Chairman. Their discussions centered on ways to strike a working partnership and working together to mutual benefit, particularly to assist smallholder tea farmers diversify, create alternative source of livelihoods and improve on their nutrition.

“A partnership between FAO and Sireet OEP will be an opportunity to work together in a new way,” said Dr Tobias. “Working together with you through FAO is all in our interests and most importantly it will help lead us to defeating mul-nutrition and poverty in this region,” he added.

CECM for Lands, Environment, Water, Natural Resource and Climate Change Dr. Philemon Bureti who accompanied the team appreciated the gesture by FAO to continue supporting and complimenting the county Government initiatives. He reiterated remarks by the Deputy Governor saying that the adoption of the GIS technologies in Nandi brings a lot of transformational data that influences service delivery.

Accordingly to FAO’s representative in Nandi Ms. Linda Achieng, the overall objective of the programme is to improve Food and Nutrition security through equitable and secure access and management of land for better livelihoods and socio-economic development.

Ireland ambassador to Kenya H.E Fionnuala Quinlan has applauded efforts by the County Government of Nandi in transforming the dairy industry and making it a profitable venture through establishment of a value addition facility.

Ms. Fionnuala said that initiatives on dairy farming being championed by the county administration would go a long way in addressing perennial market challenges experienced by dairy farmers.

She made the remarks while visiting to check on the progress of Nandi Cooperative Creameries NCC at Kabiyet Ward, Mosop Sub County. The facility which will be the first Farmer owned Milk processing plant in the region with a capacity to process 100,000l of milk per/day and offer local unemployed youths livelihood opportunities.

Massive investment by the County Government in the sector has attracted the support of development partners including the Irish Government in collaboration with Heifer International who are investing in the county through a project on Catalytic Impact for Dairy Sector Growth in Nandi.

The project seeks to support in its first phase two Dairy Cooperatives namely; Lessos and Kabiyet Dairy Cooperatives and six other Cooperatives in subsequent phases to help develop their dairy business growth, dairy market expansion and introduction as well as scaling up of new technologies and business strategy Innovations that have potential for social and economic impact.

While visiting Lamaiwet Gaa Women group in Kabiyet Ward, the envoy was hugely impressed by the well organized and managed women group who are jointly supported by the County Government and Heifer International.

The women received the visitors at the home of one of their members Mrs Mirrium Talam who had just been blessed with a one week old heifer thanks to the AI Subsidy Programme and together with her husband could not hide their joy.

Heifer International Country Director George Odhiambo who accompanied the Ambassador commended the county Government Artificial Insemination programme which has boosted what Heifer is aiming to achieve.

Governor Sang who accompanied the Ambassador during the launch of the project said that his administration is investing in capacity building for dairy farmers through empowering their Cooperative Societies to venture into technologies that will increase milk production as the county focus on dairy value chain through the ongoing construction of NCC and 30 Milk Coolers across the county.

The visit culminated with the official launch of the Dairy Sector Catalytic Growth Project and issuance of cheques amounting Kshs 7.3m to Lessos and Kabiyet Farmer’s Dairy Cooperatives by H.E Governor Stephen Sang and Ireland ambassador to Kenya H.E Fionnuala Quinlan.

CECM for Agriculture and Cooperative Development Dr. Kiplimo Araap Lagat appreciated the good gesture by partners to compliment what the department of Livestock Production is doing to improve the quality of breeds in order to increase on both quality and volumes of milk production.

Dr. Lagat revealed that so far over 30 Producer Organization across the county have been mobilized to join the Nandi Dairy Cooperative Union.

Ms. Quinlan was accompanied accompanied by Heifer International Country Director George Odhiambo, Irish Deputy Head of Mission and head of Cooperation in Kenya Lisa Doherty and their teams.

The Irish Embassy through Heifer International reiterated their commitment to support Nandi Dairy Cooperative Union Producer Organizations POs increase their milk production in preparation for the operationalization of the processing plant.

#TransformingNandi

Smallholder Dairy farmers in Aldai have been urged to join co-operative societies or an association if they are to access Government assistance or become more competitive. Chief Officer for Cooperative Development Dr. Benadette Tiony advised farmers during a Farmers’ Field Day held at Mr. Stephen Bii farm in Chepkong’ony zone, in Kaptumo/Kaboi ward, Aldai Sub County.

The County Government of Nandi through the Department of Agriculture and Cooperative Development in Collaboration with Aldai Mooi Dairy Cooperative Society had on Thursday organized for Farmers’ Field Day and exhibition on best diary practices.

The Nandi County Executive Committee Member Agriculture and Cooperative Development (CECM), Dr. Kiplimo Araap Lagat and the Chief Officer Cooperative Development, Dr. Benadatte Tiony today at Cooperative Development Department offices led the respective Sub County Cooperative Officers in exploratory talks aimed at enhancing cooperation in areas of mutual interests for cooperative societies in Nandi County.

CECM incharge Agriculture and Cooperative Development, Dr. Kiplimo Araap Lagat and the Chief Officer, Cooperative Development, Dr. Benadatte Tiony.

Cooperative Officers are mandated to oversee cooperative activities in societies, develop and monitor work plans for cooperative extension services, do a back end data analysis for policy formulation in cooperatives, advice on cooperative investments and enforce compliance with cooperative legislation.

Sub County Cooperative Officers.

The Department of Agriculture and Cooperative Development understands the key role cooperative societies play in providing extensive economic capacity to small groups and is thus committed to support sustainable development to Cooperatives in Nandi County.

Emgwen Sub County agricultural extension officers on Thursday got to interact with the already established NandE-Farm system.

Emgwen Sub County was the last cohort of the workshops accorded to all extension officers in all the six sub counties in Nandi.

The system is set to help the extension officers capture data for effective decision making on matters agricultural programs and policies plus aid in easy performance and documentation of their tasks such as facilitation of Farmer Census Management, AI programs, Vet services, Subsidy programs and Produce Market facilitation. These tasks have been digitized to ensure farmers’ and other stakeholders’ are able to access data for transparency and provide for easy access to effective service delivery at low to no cost.

The system has been integrated as a mobile app named E subsidy. The app is downloaded to devices provided for by the County Government to facilitate the process.

The officers were therefore trained on how to use the app to register farmers, edit farmers details, view current stock volumes, receive stock transferred to service points, redeem vouchers received, create new receipt for transaction, view agro dealer payments, create and view orders and to view product list.

These gadgets can work in remote locations with the GPRS and network features on.

In collaboration with a Geospatial system already established by the ICT department, NandE-Farm will allow capture of the location of the farmer plus the actual measurement of his or her farm.

This feature in its capacity to properly record the true ownership of the farm is much necessary in the ease of location to the farmer upon request of critical emergency services or any other services to the matter. It also identifies the nearest extension officer available within the farm proximity to ensure quick delivery of services.

This platform is therefore a game changer in the face of agriculture in Nandi County and a key transformational agenda His Excellency Mr. Stephen Arap Sang sets to see achieved for the full benefit of farmers in the county.

All wards in Emgwen namely Kapsabet, Chepkumia, Kilibwoni and Kapkangani were represented by their department heads in Agriculture and their extension officers.

Administrator Agriculture, Damaris Meli guiding two officers through the app system.

ICT Officer, Agriculture Silas Kichwen, guiding the officers in downloading app.

ICT head Agriculture Shadrack Kirui with two extension officers present at the workshop.

In a bid to increase access and use of services by farmers, the County Government of Nandi through the department of Agriculture and Cooperative Development has been implementing a market oriented agricultural e-extension, e-learning and data management services through the NandE-Farm system.

This system provides for a platform that facilitates extension services, stock management, AI services and a cooperative management module.

Extension officers in their role to provide timely information, link farmers with sources of farming inputs and credit facilities and in the provision of education services to farmers ; are key assets for the success of this project.

Thus, the ICT technical team from the above named department led Nandi Hills Sub county agricultural extension officers through training.

The officers will access the system as an integrated mobile app known as e-subsidy.

The training was focused on capacitating the officers with the knowledge of how to use the app to register farmers, edit farmers details, view current stock volumes, receive stock transferred to service points, redeem vouchers received, create new receipt for transaction, view agro dealer payments, create and view orders and to view product list.

To facilitate effective and extensive use of this system, the county government of Nandi partnered with DigiFarm an integrated mobile app by Safaricom that supports service delivery to crop and livestock farmers and DIGICOW by FarmTech Company that supports the dairy farmer.

Each ward will be allocated two devices to facilitate the process.

All wards in the Sub County were represented namely Kapchorwa, Lessos, Nandi hills and Chepkunyuk.

Extension officers following through the training.

ICT head, Agriculture and Cooperative Development, Mr Shadrack Kirui guiding the officers through the app.

ICT team installing e-subsidy app to extension officers’ devices.

Nandi hills Sub County Agricultural Extension Officers.

The County Government of Nandi through its department of Agriculture and Cooperative development has partnered with the Kenya Cereal Enhancement Programme (KCEP) to enhance agriculture and boost cereals productivity among farmers in the County.

KCEP is a program that the agricultural sector has put in place with an objective of contributing to national food security and smallholder income generation by supporting farmers to increase the productivity and profitability of key cereal commodities such as maize, sorghum & millet and beans.

The program offers capacity building to farmers and provide materials to be used in growing, treating , harvesting and even marketing these commodities.

Today, KCEP National and Regional coordinating units led by National programme Coordinator Ms. Maryanne W. Njogu visited Nandi county to access the development of the program in Chesumei and Mosop Sub Counties.

The team first visited Kamonjil Self Help group in kosirai ward, Chesumei Sub-County where they found the members of the group progressing well with their project and whom were able to move their testimonials about the programme.

Through interventions by the County Government in collaboration with the programme, Kamonjil Self Help Group has been transformed from aggregating 250 bags of maize for home consumption to Commercial Grain Trade Business Hub aggregating over 1,000 bags of maize annually. The chairlady of the Group, testified of how KCEP had helped her increase the maize production from 8 bags in 2018 to harvesting 22 bags in 2019 per acre.

The team would later visit the second beneficiary group Okilgei Sogin Cooperative in Mosoriot where members have grown from a Jumuiya (faith based group) to being a cooperative that aggregates maize and beans and sells then together.

The team concluded its visit at Chemuswo warehouse in Kaptel Kamoiywo ward that has just completed and is set to begin its operations soon.

Speaking during the visit, CECM Agriculture Dr Kiplimo Lagat appreciated the groups for their commitment in agriculture and urged the farmers to continue with their hard work and uphold unity, maximizing the opportunities that come their way, and do diverse value chain through other programs to be launched in the county that will enhance expansion of agriculture.

“As an administration, we’re in the process of supporting Cereal aggregators and cooperatives streamline the maize and beans market by upgrading the two value chain storage facilities while ensuring farmers have a unified and stronger voice and/or bargaining power.” said Dr. Lagat.

He added that once the Warehouse at Chumuswa is complete and operation later in the year, Maize farmers in Mosop will now store their grains in a warehouse until demand or the price of their produce increase.

Dr. Lagat also popularized the county call/data center services that are available on 24 hour basis on short code 1548 and it is toll free so that farmers can leverage on it whenever they need any of the services offered by the administration within the county.

#TransformingNandi

Agriculture Extension Officers in Tinderet Sub County are optimistic that, the NandE-Farm system will help farmers improve their way of doing business.

They acknowledged that the initiative would help farmers get value for their investments.

During training held in Tinderet by the County Government of Nandi through the department of Agriculture and Cooperative development, the extension officers applauded the system well thought of capabilities to offer a managed service with mobile access to field users.

Silas Kichwen, ICT officer guiding Tinderet Extation officers through the NandiE-Farm systems

According to ICT head, Agriculture Mr. Shadrack Kirui, NandE-Farm system presents real opportunity to support farmers to profile their data, link to markets, access affordable and quality input by linking farmers to registered Agro vets and provide for a platform to request and get quality extension services at subsidized costs.

He also stated the functions of the system to support administration of input subsidy programs and its role to facilitate tracking of county agriculture input stock management.

Tinderet extension officers following up on the training.

The officers were trained to register farmers, edit farmers details, view current stock volumes, receive stock transferred to service points, redeem vouchers received, create new receipt for transaction, view Agro dealer payments, create and view orders and to view product list.

Mr. Joseph Cheruiyot, the Sub County Agricultural Officer attached to Tinderet stated that they are excited about the system because it will help in visibility by it providing access to reports and proper records of the services and programs carried out. “We believe farmers would be happy to hear what we have discussed particularly about the transparency this technology brings”.

ICT head – Agriculture and Cooperative Development, Mr. Shadrack Kirui speaking to the farmers and stakeholders.

The NandE-Farm is a digital platform that aims to be a well-functioning regulated Agricultural Information Management System which will facilitate an improved service delivery access to farmers and all the stakeholders in Agriculture and Cooperative Development.

Each ward in Tinderet will be provided with two devices among its extension officers to facilitate the process.

All wards in Tinderet namely Kapsimotwo, Tinderet, Chemase/Chemelil and Songhor/Soba were represented.

Farmers in Chesumei are set to enjoy the efforts of the county government to improve service delivery to all stakeholders in Agriculture & Cooperative Development through a well established agri tech system known as NandE-Farm.

NandE-Farm is a digital platform established to facilitate management of agricultural information, subsidy programs and provide for a place for effective access of a wide range of low to no cost quality services to farmers.

Following this initiative, the county government of Nandi through the department of Agriculture and Cooperative Development in liaison with the department of ICT, led agricultural extension officers from each ward in Chesumei through training on the system.

The training aimed at guiding the officers on their role and expected participation on the platform.

Since the platform integrates farmer profiling, subsidy programs, market access facilitation, input stock management, extension services to farmers, farmer e-learning, and a cooperative management module; data is necessary.

The extension officers as intermediaries between information and farmers are therefore key in their role to capture data needed for effective execution and facilitation of these programs through the platform.

The ward extension officers are to use the platform to : register farmers, edit farmers details, view current stock volumes, receive stock transferred to service points, redeem vouchers received, create new receipt for transaction, view agro dealer payments, create and view orders and to view product list.

Speaking during the training, ICT head, Agriculture Mr. Shadrack Kirui , urged the officers to embrace the system and act as good will ambassadors by encouraging farmers to adopt the technology for their full benefit. “ Let us invest in this data driven technology to enable the county government improve the livelihoods of farmers ”.

Each ward in Chesumei will be provided with a gadget to facilitate the process.

The training was held at Mosoriot and all wards namely: Lelmokwo/Ngechek, Kosirai, Kaptel/Kamoiywo, Chemundu and Kiptuiya were represented.