Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has called for urgent action to implement agricultural policies and programs aimed at revitalizing the county’s agricultural sector. Speaking at a sensitization and leadership workshop in Naivasha, which brought together County Executive Committee Members (CECM) responsible for agriculture, Lusaka highlighted the critical need for comprehensive policy development and immediate execution to bring transformative change to the industry.
“As the Council of Governors, we represent the voice of counties and are the champions of devolved governments’ interests when it comes to policy formulation,” said Lusaka. “I urge you all to support the Council’s position in your interactions with the national government and ensure that county priorities are reflected in national agricultural policies.”
As Chair of the Council of Governors’ Agriculture Committee, Lusaka reaffirmed the Council’s central role in shaping agricultural policy. He stressed that any policy decisions must align with the principles of devolution and undergo thorough approval from the Council of Governors to ensure they address the needs of local communities.
The workshop focused on enhancing capacity building among county officials, improving county service delivery systems, and rolling out agriculture model policies designed to make a tangible difference on the ground. Participants engaged in discussions on several key issues including the need for robust legislative frameworks, the digitization of agricultural processes, and scaling up support for smallholder farmers—who are vital to ensuring the sector’s long-term growth.
With agriculture being a cornerstone of Kenya’s economy, Lusaka emphasized that counties must be proactive in supporting farmers and pushing for policies that help smallholders thrive. He stressed that policy innovation and strong leadership at the county level were essential to achieving sustainable growth and development in the agricultural sector.
The workshop, attended by a diverse group of stakeholders, underscored the importance of collaboration between county governments, national agencies, and other agricultural partners to foster an environment where Kenya’s agricultural industry can flourish.