By CGoK.Comm.Dept
Kitui Executive for Agriculture and Livestock Dr. Stephen Mbaya Kimwele today led the disbursement of a Ksh 7 million matching grant to ward-based agricultural SACCOs in Kyuso and Ngomeni wards, Mwingi North Sub-County, in a move aimed at enhancing farmers’ access to affordable credit.
A total of five ward-based agricultural SACCOs from across the county benefited from the first phase of the disbursement under the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP).
The programme *aligns with Governor Dr. Julius Malombe manifesto agenda of empowering farmers through improved access to affordable financial services* for those affiliated with Common Interest Groups (CIGs) and Vulnerable and Marginalized Groups (VMGs), with the aim of enhancing agricultural productivity and strengthening value chain development.
Speaking during the exercise, Dr. Kimwele noted that the matching grant is not a loan but a financial support mechanism meant to strengthen the capacity and sustainability of farmer SACCOs so that they can continue offering affordable credit facilities to farmers.
He said the grants will enable SACCOs to expand financing for value chain activities including production, aggregation, processing and marketing, ultimately empowering more farmers to invest in agriculture and improve their livelihoods.
Dr. Kimwele further observed that access to credit has remained expensive for many smallholder farmers, adding that the ward-based SACCO model will provide a more accessible and farmer-friendly financing option at the grassroots level.
The initiative aligns with the County Government’s commitment _The Kitui Promise_ to strengthening farmer institutions and promoting inclusive agricultural transformation across Kitui County.
*Monday 18th May 2026*
