Kitui Central Agricultural Officers Trained on Smart Farming Tools and Data Systems

By TCD TEAM.

The County Government of Kitui has intensified efforts to modernize agriculture by equipping its field officers with smart farming tools and data systems aimed at enhancing productivity and service delivery.

In a high-impact sensitization drive held at the Kitui Agricultural Training Centre (KATC), agricultural and livestock officers from Kitui Central Sub-county were trained on key areas including productivity mainstreaming, data collection and reporting, use of KoboCollect for real-time extension reporting, complaint handling, and e-waste disposal.

The initiative, spearheaded by the County Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, is part of the county’s strategic plan to boost agricultural output and align service delivery with data-driven solutions.

Speaking during the event, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture and Livestock, Dr. Stephen Mbaya Kimwele, underscored the role of technology and accurate data in driving sustainable agricultural growth.

“Our goal is to improve the quality of service we provide to farmers by ensuring that all our processes are streamlined, data is captured accurately, and we have effective mechanisms in place for feedback, in line with Dr. Malombe’s manifesto,” said Dr. Mbaya.

Following the training, the officers visited several model farms in the sub-county to evaluate farming practices and offer technical guidance. Among the farmers visited were Francis from Utooni in Kyangwithya West, engaged in Meat Goats, Dairy Cows, Mango, and Pasture Development; Titus Munyasya from Mulango Ward, involved in Dairy Cattle, Poultry, Goats, and Ndengu; and John Kimweli from Isaangwa, Kyangwithya West, specializing in Poultry production.

The visits offered an opportunity to identify areas for improvement and reinforce the adoption of sustainable, high-impact farming practices.

Dr. Mbaya was joined by senior ministry officials including Chief Officers Gladys Kivoto (Fisheries) and Jonathan Kyambi (Livestock), who reiterated the ministry’s commitment to working hand-in-hand with farmers across the county.

The sensitization campaign will continue across other sub-counties as the county government scales up efforts to transform agriculture into a commercially viable and climate-smart sector.

— County Government of Kitui – Communication Department