Kitui Senator Hopeful Dr Stephen Kimwele Mbaya Oversees KSh 7 Million Boost to Farmer SACCOs
Kitui Senatorial hopeful and County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture and Livestock, Stephen Mbaya Kimwele, has continued to strengthen his development track record after leading the disbursement of a KSh 7 million matching grant to agricultural SACCOs in Mwingi North Sub-County.
The funds were issued to ward-based SACCOs in Kyuso and Ngomeni wards, targeting farmer groups to improve access to affordable credit and boost agricultural productivity.
The initiative, rolled out under the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP), saw five SACCOs benefit in the first phase of the programme.
Speaking during the disbursement exercise, Dr. Kimwele emphasized that the grant is not a loan but a strategic financial support mechanism designed to strengthen SACCO capacity and sustainability. He noted that the funds will enable the cooperatives to extend affordable credit to farmers, particularly those involved in value chain activities such as production, aggregation, processing and marketing.
The programme aligns with the development agenda of Kitui Governor Julius Malombe, which prioritizes empowering farmers through improved access to financial services, especially for Common Interest Groups (CIGs) and Vulnerable and Marginalized Groups (VMGs).
Dr. Kimwele observed that many smallholder farmers have long struggled with high borrowing costs, terming the ward-based SACCO model a practical solution to bridge the financing gap at the grassroots.
He added that the initiative reflects the county government’s broader commitment under The Kitui Promise to strengthen farmer institutions and drive inclusive agricultural transformation.
The disbursement marks a significant step in enhancing rural livelihoods, with local farmers expected to benefit from increased access to capital and improved market participation.
