CO Gladys Kivoto and Waziri Mbaya Kimwele Deliver Ksh. 5.8 Million Matching Grant to Agricultural SACCOs
Farmers in Kitui County have received a major boost after the County Government, through the Department of Agriculture and Livestock, disbursed Ksh. 5.8 million in matching grants to three ward-based agricultural SACCOs under the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP).
The grants were officially disbursed today by Kitui County Chief Officer for Agriculture and Fisheries Gladys Mami Kivoto together with County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture and Livestock Dr. Stephen Mbaya Kimwele in a move aimed at enhancing farmers’ access to affordable credit and strengthening community-based financial institutions.
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The first stop of the disbursement exercise was at Kaliku Market in Mutitu/Kaliku Ward, Kitui East Constituency, where Kaliku Women Star SACCO received Ksh. 3.1 million. The SACCO, which was first iniatiated by CO Gladys Kivoto back in 2015 when she served as Chief Officer for Trade and Co-operatives, has continued being instrumental in supporting local farmers and women groups, is expected to use the funds to expand affordable financial services to its members and boost agricultural productivity in the area.
The delegation later proceeded to Kisasi Market in Kisasi Ward, Kitui Rural Sub-county, where Kikavi SACCO received Ksh. 655,200 matching grant. Local residents and SACCO members welcomed the initiative, terming it a timely intervention that will help farmers access affordable loans and improve their livelihoods through agribusiness investments.
In the final phase of the day’s exercise, the county leadership visited Matinyani Town in Kitui West Constituency, where Matinyani SACCO was awarded Ksh. 2,080,000 during an event held at the Maendeleo ya Wanawake Hall. The women-led SACCO was praised for its commitment to empowering farmers and promoting economic growth at the grassroots level.
The grants form part of the first phase of disbursement under the NAVCDP programme, which has so far benefited five ward-based agricultural SACCOs across Kitui County.
Speaking during the events, Chief Officer Hon. Gladys Mami Kivoto encouraged residents to embrace unity and organize themselves into SACCOs in order to benefit from government and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) empowerment programmes aimed at transforming livelihoods and promoting financial inclusion among farmers.
She noted that strong and organized farmer groups play a key role in accelerating agricultural development and creating sustainable economic opportunities within local communities.
On his part, CECM Dr. Stephen Mbaya Kimwele clarified that the grants issued to the SACCOs are not loans, but financial support mechanisms intended to strengthen the capacity and sustainability of farmer SACCOs. He emphasized that the initiative seeks to enable the SACCOs to continue offering affordable credit facilities to farmers, thereby improving agricultural production and household incomes.
Dr. Kimwele further reiterated the County Government’s commitment to empowering farmers through strategic programmes that support agribusiness, financial accessibility, and sustainable food production.
The initiative aligns with the development agenda and manifesto of H.E. Governor Dr. Julius Makau Malombe, whose administration continues to prioritize farmer empowerment through improved access to affordable financial services, agricultural support programmes, and community-driven economic development initiatives across Kitui County.
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