By Odhiambo Ruben and Agwanda Saye
Photos by Esitika Isaac
The County Government of Kisumu has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Cereals Growers Association in a move aimed at transforming the agriculture sector Kisumu County has intensified its efforts to transform the agricultural sector.
The agreement which was signed by the County’s CECM for Agriculture, Irrigation, Livestock, and Fisheries Kenneth Onyango on behalf of the County’s Governor was witnessed by CGA Business Development and Partnership Manager Dr Moses Osia. together with the County’s Attorney Otieno Aluoka.
Onyango welcomed the collaboration and praised the partnership as a practical step toward empowering farmers and increasing productivity.
He further said that the MoU marks a new chapter in their mission to ensure that no farmer in Kisumu is left behind.
“We are focused on actionable, transformative programs.” said Mr.Onyango
The MoU is set to improve food security, support smallholder farmers, and build resilient agricultural systems with the support of the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ)
Dr. Osia outlined the association’s achievements in Kisumu, where thousands of farmers have already benefited from training and market linkage programs under the Farm-to-Market Alliance, a project supported by the World Food Programme.
“We have built systems to ensure farmers access markets, information, inputs, and microfinance. Aggregation is our strength, and we’re excited to deepen our footprint here.” said Dr. Osia
A key milestone during the event was the official launch of the Farmer Service Centre Model, an initiative designed to empower lead farmers to serve as anchors for their communities. These farmer leaders will provide services such as access to inputs, financial advice, and knowledge transfer to fellow farmers.
“This is about building a chain of empowerment. One trained farmer can positively influence hundreds more.” Said Dr.Osia.
GIZ, Policy Advisor Mr. Evans Asena, while speaking at the ceremony, emphasized the importance of aligning programs and ensuring coordination between various stakeholders. He acknowledged Kisumu’s proactive approach in streamlining agricultural interventions and minimizing duplication of efforts.
“As we roll out our Access to Legal Projects and professionalize the Farmer Service Centres, we’re working closely with all partners to avoid duplication and scale what works.It’s about synergy, not fragmentation.” Said, Mr. Asena
The collaboration is also timely, as Kisumu County prepares to roll out a new e-voucher subsidy program to enhance input distribution and improve accountability. GIZ welcomed the development, noting it complements ongoing efforts under their farmer support initiatives.
Providing a legal and institutional framework is critical to the success and sustainability of such programs. County Attorney Mr. Otieno assured partners of the county’s commitment to creating policy backing for innovations aimed at long-term agricultural transformation.
“This digital platform aligns perfectly with our approach,It offers the transparency and coordination we all need.” Mr.Otieno remarked
He further added “From farmer service hubs to subsidy digitization, this is the legacy work we must institutionalize. We will provide the legal direction necessary to support this transformative agenda.”
The event concluded with a joint commitment to strengthen stakeholder coordination through the County Agriculture Sector Steering Committee (CASSCOM). The forum will serve as the central mechanism for aligning county efforts with those of development partners, farmer organizations, and private actors.
Among those who were present were :Eng. Daniel Okiya Chief Officer of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Mr. Walter Odum County Director of Agriculture, Dancun Owalo CGA Project manager, and other officials from the Kisumu County, CGA, and GIZ