Bungoma County has emerged as one of the top performers in Kenya’s agricultural sector after scooping multiple awards at the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP) Performance League Awards, a recognition that underscores the county’s sustained investment in modern farming, value addition and farmer empowerment.
The county emerged third overall nationally, scoring 62.9 (Grade B) and securing a Bronze Medal, placing it among the top three counties in Kenya for the third consecutive year.
Kiambu and Uasin Gishu counties took first and second positions respectively.
Bungoma also bagged a Silver Medal in FPO–CIG Linkage and Service Provision, in recognition of its strong coordination between Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Community Interest Groups (CIGs), a model that has significantly enhanced service delivery and value chain integration.
In addition, the county clinched Gold Medal status in SACCO Savings Rate and Access to Credit, highlighting its outstanding progress in promoting farmer savings, financial inclusion and access to affordable agricultural credit through cooperative based financing models.
Speaking during the ceremony, Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka hailed the awards as a reflection of Bungoma’s deliberate and sustained investment in agriculture.
“These awards affirm that our strategy of empowering farmers, strengthening aggregation models, expanding digital extension services and building strong market linkages is yielding tangible results,” Lusaka said.
He added, “Remaining among the top three counties nationally for three consecutive years is no small feat. It speaks to the dedication of our farmers, extension officers, cooperatives and development partners.”
The Governor reiterated the county’s commitment to deepening agricultural reforms, noting that Bungoma would continue scaling up irrigation, farmer aggregation, mechanisation and access to affordable credit to boost productivity and household incomes.
“Our goal is to make agriculture a profitable enterprise, especially for smallholder farmers, while enhancing food security and economic resilience at the household level,” he added.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, who was present at the awards event in Mombasa, commended Bungoma for its consistency and innovation in implementing the NAVCDP, urging other counties to emulate its farmer-centred approach.
“Bungoma has demonstrated that with proper planning, accountability and partnership, counties can transform agriculture into a thriving business sector,” said Kagwe.
“The integration of farmers into organized groups, access to credit and market-driven production is the future of agriculture in Kenya,” the CS added.
Also present at the awards ceremony were Principal Secretary Dr. Kipronoh Ronoh, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi among others.
