Nakuru County Agricultural Extension Policy 2026 has been launched
The Policy aims at strengthening extension services across the County.
Speaking on Friday during the launch, Nakuru County CECM for Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Leonard Bor termed the establishment of the Policy a key move to the farmers.
According to him, the Policy development journey started in 2025 involving farmers and other stakeholders.
It is an omnibus policy that will play key in coordinating and shaping agriculture in Nakuru County through information, matters crops and livestock.
He reiterated the need for information sharing towards boosting agriculture.
“As a department we shall now be guided on matters budgeting towards employment of more extension officers,” he said.
The CECM was categorical that this is a policy that will not be shelved but will be implemented.
That there shall be employment of more extension officers.
The two policies Agro ecology policy and Extension Policy will boost the department of agriculture as there will be no disintegrated resources, but there shall be clear coordination.
Nakuru County Assembly Committee on Agriculture Chair Isabella Makori said the policy will ensure guidelines for employment of more extension officers.
Makori who is also the Subukia Ward MCA revealed that Nakuru County has been relying on national policy since inception of Devolution.
Dr Eileen Chanji a researcher from Alliance for Bioversity and CIAT who participated in the formation of the Policy, stated that the policy has factored in women and youth towards matters agriculture.
The farmers, she noted that are part and parcel of the Policy.
She was categorical that it is a plus to farmers as Nakuru County already has agro ecology policy adding that the two policies will play key in empowering farmers.
Daniel Wanjama from Seed Savers Network lauded the policy.
He pointed out that as stakeholders in seed sector, the Policy is not discriminative and will go a long way in taking care of the welfare of farmers.
“We are happy that farmers are now being recognized as experts who can now advice even other farmers. We support such inclusive policies,” he stated.
According to Wanjama, the issue of food safety is key in regulations to ensure a healthy nation.
That extension services should also look at that in our markets as it will help reduce diseases.
On matters potato farming, Kanjama called for the implementation of the policy that will see safe potatoes farming.
Lina Cherono- a farmer from Kamara in Kuresoi: the policy will go a long way in addressing challenges ,that farmers face at grassroot level.
The extension services will now be strengthened moving forward.
Kamau Stephen- a farmer from Kabatini Ward in Bahati noted that the policy will help farmers understand various aspects of farming techniques.
He raised a concern on the issue of crops and animal theft calling on the need for collaboration between National Government and County.
