Chief Officer Gladys Kivoto Wraps Up Training for Community Development Structures in Mutomo

On Friday, 6th December 2024 -Kitui Chief Officer for Agriculture and Fisheries, Gladys Kivoto, successfully concluded a week-long training for the final group of participants representing the Community-Driven Development Committees (CDDCs) and Social Accountability Integrity Committees (SAICs) in Mutomo.

The training, organized by the County Government of Kitui under the National Agricultural and Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP), marked the final phase of a three-week capacity-building initiative.

The program targeted CDDC members from all 40 wards across Kitui County, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively oversee and implement agricultural development projects at the grassroots level.

Chief Officer Kivoto emphasized the significance of community-centered leadership and accountability as key pillars of Governor Julius Malombe’s agricultural development agenda.* She lauded the participants for their commitment and urged them to become champions of agricultural transformation within their communities.

“Our county’s progress in agriculture depends on strong grassroots leadership. This training is not just about acquiring knowledge but also about translating that knowledge into action to achieve a food-secure Kitui” she stated.

Kivoto highlighted the five priority value chains under NAVCDP—Tomato, Mango, Apiculture, Green Grams, and Poultry—and encouraged the participants to leverage their training to strengthen these sectors. She also urged them to promote increased farmer participation in cooperatives and SACCOs, enabling farmers to access enhanced benefits through government programs and partnerships with development organizations.

She noted that strengthening these value chains and farmer networks would maximize opportunities for growth and sustainability in the agricultural sector, ultimately improving livelihoods and achieving food security.

Ends.