Kenya to get Sh3b from donors to support small-scale farmers
Kenya will receive Sh3 billion to support over 50,000 small-scale farmers in its bid to strengthen food production, value chain competitiveness and spur job creation.
European Union and the Danish government have in conjunction with Kenya designed three development programmes which in the next five years will assist farmers to confront challenges they are grappling with.
Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA) in partnership with the Kenya government established Micro Enterprises Support Programme Trust (MESPT) in 2002 to support the growth and development of Small holder farmers.
Other beneficiaries targeted under the engagement include micro small medium enterprises (MSMEs) and offers sustainable credit to financial institutions (FI’s).
Henning Høy Nygaard, Sector Counsellor Food at the Royal Danish Embassy, Kenya said the partnership between his government and Kenya has prioritised enhanced food safety.
Improved food safety
“We have made progress with Kenyan policy makers and ministries in developing new legislation and institutional framework for the support of improved food safety,” he said.
Rebecca Amukhoye, MESPT chief executive officer explained early this week that her institution is implementing a new development model that seeks to enhance agriculture enterprise development and agricultural productivity and food safety.
Speaking during a media roundtable at a Nairobi hotel, she said the institution further seeks to increase financial access and inclusivity and targets green transformation.
“The designed programmes include the Food Safety System for Value Chain Competitiveness – AGRIFI Programme (2018-2023) and the Green Employment in Agriculture Programme –GEAP (2021-2025).
Spurring Job Creation in Kenya by enhancing the Competitiveness of the Banana Sub Sector in Kenya - DMDP Programme (2020 -2025),” said Amukhoye.
Under the AGRIFI programme being implemented in 13 counties and targeting 13,000 farmers, EU has extended a loan of €7 million (Sh900.36 million) to be expended for the next two years.
