The County Government of Kirinyaga has intensified farmer trainings and extension services aimed at transforming smallholder farming into a profitable enterprise.

Through county-organized trainings, farmers are being equipped with practical skills in animal breeding, nutrition, risk management and market access.

The initiatives have enabled farmers to increase production, reduce losses and earn more from farming. The value chain targeted trainings led by the County Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Veterinary and Fisheries are focusing on closing gaps hindering profitable production.

In livestock farming, the department has identified proper animal nutrition, mineral supplementation, improved genetics and agricultural insurance as key drivers of productivity and income security that needs support.

The County Government in partnership with Biosciences Kenya and CIC Insurance has rolled out trainings aimed at educating farmers on how close the gaps.

Governor Anne Waiguru says steady gains being recorded across the agricultural sector are the result of deliberate county investment in capacity building and extension services.

She said dairy farming remains a key economic pillar in Kirinyaga and continues to benefit from targeted county-led interventions.

“Dairy farming is a major contributor to our economy, and we have deliberately supported farmers through improved cattle breeds using artificial insemination, better animal feed production, disease control and strong extension services,” Waiguru said.

The Governor added that the county has invested in capacity building for the four dairy cooperatives to strengthen governance, efficiency and market access.

As a result of these interventions, she said, farmers are recording higher productivity and improved returns.

“Milk production has increased from an average of 2.5 liters per cow to 7 liters per cow per day, translating to an annual production of 86 million liters valued at Ksh.3.1 billion,” Waiguru said.

Speaking during one of the training meeting for livestock farmers at Mbiri town in Njukiini ward, Biosciences Kenya representative Joel Muchia said the sessions addressed long-standing gaps that have limited dairy farmers’ output.

“Farmers are willing to produce more milk, but when it comes to feeding and genetics, many are not able,” Muchia said.

He mentioned that the training focused on quality mineral supplements, proper feeding regimes, improved breeds and adequate water, which he described as essential for increased milk production.
Muchia said partnering with the County Government has ensured farmers receive practical, income-focused knowledge.

“We feel privileged to be here to train farmers so they can produce more milk and have more money in their pockets,” he said.

Farmers are also being trained on agricultural insurance, helping them understand how to cushion their enterprises against losses caused by disease, climate shocks and other risks.

Farmers said the county’s consistent extension services are delivering real impact at the grassroots.
Stephen Macharia, a dairy farmer from Muriganio Self Help Group in Njukiini Ward, said county-supported trainings had strengthened the group’s production and planning.

“Our group has benefited from silage-making support, improved fodder storage and technical guidance, enabling members to maintain feed quality throughout the year,” Macharia mentioned.

Macharia added that through county coordination, the group was among 230 farmer groups selected to receive milk coolers, improving milk handling and reducing losses.

Farmer Mwaniki Mbugua said decentralized trainings had ensured knowledge reached even village-level farmers.

He said the county, under Governor Waiguru’s leadership, had brought extension services closer to farmers, enabling them to farm more efficiently and earn more.

“We have reliable officers, and the training helps us improve farming and put money in our pockets,” Mbugua said.

Joyce Wanjiku Mwangi, a poultry farmer from Njukiini Ward, said the trainings had empowered small-scale farmers who are often overlooked.

She said farmers learned about insurance through CIC, helping them manage losses and safeguard their investments.

Wanjiku said through Wezesha program, farmers received poultry stock, leading to egg production and improved household incomes.

“We have learnt a lot, and these programmes have helped us earn and grow. Through NAVCDP, we have accessed affordable credit through a SACCO, enabling us reinvest and make money,” she said.

With practical skills, access to finance, risk protection and reliable markets, the county says farmers are no longer just producing more, they are earning more, investing more and building sustainable livelihoods that drive Kirinyaga’s economic growth.