Governor Barasa unveils the second cohort of the Kakamega Agripreneurs Model

Governor Barasa Launches Second Agripreneurs Cohort to Drive Food Security and Youth Empowerment
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has unveiled the second phase of the county’s Agripreneurs Programme, a major initiative designed to equip young people with digital agricultural skills and transform farming into a tech-driven and profitable sector. The launch, held at the Mumias Cultural Centre in Mumias West, builds on the success of the first cohort, which trained 420 young agripreneurs under the Know Your Farmer platform. The programme aims to boost food security, create employment, and digitise agricultural operations across the county’s 60 wards. Implemented in partnership with the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP), the initiative reflects the county’s ongoing commitment to modernising agriculture and empowering youth through innovation.
During the launch, Governor Barasa emphasised that agriculture remains a central pillar of his administration’s economic agenda, noting that digital tools and data-driven solutions will play a key role in strengthening value chains. The newly recruited agripreneurs will work directly with farmers for the next 18 months, supporting them to digitise their farm activities, improve productivity, adopt climate-smart practices, and access better market information. The governor highlighted that the programme is not only about training but also about reshaping mindsets, positioning agriculture as an attractive career path for young professionals. He reaffirmed that capacity-building and collaboration with NAVCDP will help accelerate the adoption of technology in farming, thereby enhancing efficiency and resilience within the sector.
Stakeholders at the event welcomed the initiative as a timely intervention in addressing youth unemployment and strengthening household food security. County officials said the agripreneurs will play a crucial role in bridging the gap between farmers and modern agricultural systems, ultimately enabling the county to leverage data, innovation, and entrepreneurship for economic growth. With increasing interest in agribusiness among young people, the programme is expected to stimulate wealth creation, expand digital extension services, and improve agricultural planning at the community level. As Kakamega deepens its investment in technology-driven farming, the Agripreneurs Programme signals a future where youth-led innovation anchors sustainable food systems and drives long-term socio-economic transformation across the region.