Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming the agricultural sector, outlining significant strides made during a high-level engagement with the Senate Committee on Agriculture currently touring the county.
The committee, chaired by Bungoma Senator Wafula Wakoli, is in the region on a fact-finding mission to assess the state of agriculture and explore opportunities for national support and collaboration.
Speaking during a special session with the committee, Governor Lusaka presented a detailed progress report highlighting key achievements, ongoing interventions, and policy directions aimed at revitalizing agriculture — the backbone of Bungoma’s economy.
“We have prioritized agriculture as a critical pillar of our County Integrated Development Plan,” Governor Lusaka told the senators, noting that the county had ramped up efforts to empower farmers through mechanization, input subsidies, and value chain development.
He cited the distribution of certified seeds and fertilizers, the operationalization of cooperatives, expansion of irrigation infrastructure, and farmer training initiatives as part of Bungoma’s transformation journey. Additionally, Lusaka highlighted the construction of aggregation centers and market linkages to enhance post-harvest handling and improve farmer incomes.
Senator Wakoli commended the county’s efforts but emphasized the need for enhanced collaboration between the county and national governments. “We are impressed by the visible progress but there’s still room for increased support, especially in climate-smart agriculture and agribusiness,” said the senator.
The Senate team is expected to tour various agricultural projects across Bungoma, engage stakeholders, and gather insights to inform national agricultural policy and funding frameworks.
Governor Lusaka concluded by calling on the Senate to advocate for timely disbursement of funds and policy reforms that would ease access to credit and bolster rural livelihoods.
The committee’s tour is part of a broader Senate initiative to engage counties directly, ensuring that agricultural policy is grounded in the realities faced by farmers across Kenya.
