By Yoana Kimwele
Kitui County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture and Livestock, Dr. Stephen Mbaya Kimwele, on Thursday led sensitization meetings for Ward-Based Mobilization Committee members under the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP) in Migwani, Kyome/Thaana, and Kiomo/Kyethani Wards in Mwingi West Sub-County.
The meetings also marked the formal establishment of the Ward-Based Mobilization Committees, which will spearhead grassroots farmer mobilization, strengthen farmer institutions, and coordinate ward-level activities aimed at ensuring the successful implementation of the NAVCDP across the three wards.
Addressing the committee members, Dr. Kimwele underscored the importance of building strong, accountable, and sustainable farmer institutions. He emphasized that cooperatives must embrace good governance, comply with regulatory requirements, and actively participate in agricultural value chains to qualify for funding and other support opportunities under the project.
The CECM further urged committee members to intensify farmer mobilization efforts by encouraging more producers to join Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), saying stronger institutions will enhance farmers’ access to government agricultural programmes and improve their economic prospects.
Each Ward-Based Mobilization Committee comprises eight members: the Ward Administrator, Ward Agricultural Officer, Field Extension Officer, Chief, Community-Driven Development Committee (CDDC) Chairperson, SACCO Chairperson, Opinion Leader, and the Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) Secretary.
Senior officers from the NAVCDP Kitui County Project Coordination Unit also attended the sensitization meetings held on Thursday, July 9, 2026.
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