Kitui County Showcases Innovative Food Value Chain Products at 2025 Devolution Conference
Kitui County Chief Officer for Agriculture, Gladys Kivoto, has led the county’s delegation in showcasing innovative food value chain products at the ongoing 4-day 2025 Devolution Conference in Homa Bay County.
Speaking at the Kitui County exhibition booth, the passionate and relentless agriculture chief officer urged local farmers to embrace value addition as a strategy to eliminate food waste and boost household incomes. She noted that sunflower farming is emerging as one of the most profitable agricultural ventures in the county, offering immense opportunities for wealth creation.
The Kitui booth has been a key attraction, displaying a variety of value-added agricultural products, including premium sunflower cooking oil, roasted millet flour, solar-dried mango flakes, and mango crisps. These products not only demonstrate the county’s agricultural diversity but also underscore its commitment to value addition as a pathway to economic empowerment and enhanced food security.
“This is the direction our farmers need to take,” said Kivoto. “Value addition ensures we make the most out of our produce, increase shelf life, reduce waste, and open up more market opportunities.”
Also speaking during the exhibition, County Agriculture CECM Waziri Mbaya Kimwele emphasized that their primary focus remains on making Kitui food secure, a key pillar of Governor Julius Malombe’s development agenda. He pointed out that sunflower oil is in high demand and commands competitive market prices, creating a viable income stream for local farmers.
“We are training our farmers and supporting them in sunflower production as well as the entire value chain, from cultivation to processing and marketing,” Kimwele said, reaffirming the county’s commitment to promoting value addition and sustainable agricultural growth.
The Kitui County delegation’s participation at the Devolution Conference has positioned the County as a rising agricultural hub, showcasing how strategic investments in farming and agribusiness can transform livelihoods while strengthening food security.
The 9th Devolution Conference is set to conclude on Friday, August 15, with Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki expected to officially close the event.
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