Kiambu County farmers are celebrating a remarkable maize harvest after receiving certified seeds and fertilizers through the county government’s agricultural support programme. The initiative, spearheaded by Governor Kimani Wamatangi, aims to boost food security and economic empowerment for local farmers. Many beneficiaries are already harvesting maize, while others await the crop’s near-maturity stage, signaling a successful season across the county.
The programme, which began last year, has provided free hybrid maize seeds and crop fertilizers to over 300,000 farmers, according to Mwenda Kiara, the County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture. We have made deliberate efforts to ensure food security in the county by providing farm inputs to farmers. In the coming season, we plan to distribute inputs to over 60,000 more farmers across all agricultural zones, Mr. Kiara said. Beneficiaries such as Esther Wariara from Githunguri and Margaret Wangari from Kwa Maiko praised the initiative, noting that access to quality seeds and fertilizers has significantly improved yields and reduced reliance on purchased maize, strengthening local food supply.
Farmers like David Wathika from Kihenjo village have also benefited from technical guidance provided by county extension officers, helping them adopt best farming practices. Governor Wamatangi emphasized that the programme is designed to cushion farmers against losses caused by the prolonged drought between 2020 and 2023, which severely affected food production. President William Ruto has lauded the efforts, recognizing Kiambu County as one of the country’s top food-producing regions and highlighting the recovery from past food shortages. With continued support and strategic planning, the county aims to sustain high crop yields and enhance food security for future seasons.