Bii, Rotich urge farmers to embrace coffee in push to diversify Uasin Gishu agriculture
The two governors emphasized the need to move beyond maize farming to adopt high-value crops like coffee as part of a broader regional economic strategy.
Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim. Photo/UG County.
By Robert Assad
Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim led a coffee sensitization forum Friday at the Ziwa Cattle Auction Yard, calling on farmers to diversify crops for greater incomes and improved livelihoods, July 5.
The event, which drew leaders, farmers and stakeholders, was attended by Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wesley Rotich. The two governors emphasized the need to move beyond maize farming to adopt high-value crops like coffee as part of a broader regional economic strategy.
“Our farmers must embrace diversification. We cannot continue planting maize season after season while struggling economically. It’s time we rethink our strategies and invest in crops that will truly change lives,” Bii said.
As part of the initiative, 77,000 coffee seedlings were distributed to farmers across seven wards: Kipsomba, Kapkures, Ziwa, Segero/Barsombe, Moisbridge, Karuna/Meibeki, and Moiben. Officials said the goal is to elevate coffee as a key economic crop.
The county also disbursed KES 18.5 million in grants to Saccos, Farmer Producer Organizations, and youth and women’s groups to boost agribusiness, strengthen cooperatives, and align local efforts with the national Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
Rotich lauded the county’s proactive stance on rural development and urged farmers to leverage existing support. “The market is ready. The time is now. Let us diversify and empower our households,” he said.
Deputy Gov. Evans Kapkea added that agricultural diversification is a tool for both economic empowerment and social transformation.
The forum is part of an ongoing inter-county collaboration. Bii has previously hosted leaders from Kericho, Nandi, Baringo and Laikipia to promote knowledge sharing on crop diversification strategies.
The event was also attended by several county officials and members of the county assembly, including County Executive Committee Members Anthony Sitienei, Edward Sawe, Eng. Joseph Lagat, Micah Rogony and Dr. Abraham Serem; MCAs Hon. Ezekiel Ngeti Kodi (Ziwa), Hon. Reginah Chepkemboi (PWD), Hon. Hilary Kipchumba (Moiben), Hon. David Tarus (Kapkures), Hon. Nathan Malamoch (Segero/Barsombe), and Hon. James Serem (Karuna/Meibeki).
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