Trans-Nzoia: Natembeya's Mbegu Initiative Boost Farmers Yields

BY RTN Reporter

Meet Mzee Jotham Were, a maize farmer from Trans-Nzoia who has realized bumper harvest this year.

Our Reporter stumbled on him joyfully selling his farm produce at Amuka Market in Kwanza Sub-County on December 17, 2024.

Were remarks, "this year, my farm actually produced 30 bags per acre compared to the previous year 2023 when I harvested only 10 bags in the same piece of land."

This enhanced harvest is attributed to the Mbegu initiative by Governor George Natembeya’s administration, which allocated funds to promote agriculture by providing free maize seeds.

He is one of the many farmers in Trans Nzoia who have benefited from this initiative,impactifully boosting their maize farming yields.

Governor Natembeya states that through this program, farmers have seen a 50 percent increase in their yields and pledges to continue with the initiative next year to address food security and encourage surplus production.

Beyond supporting maize farming, Governor Natembeya's administration has undertaken the construction of the Kitale Modern Railway Market at a cost of Sh.100 million.

The market, currently 80% complete, will serve numerous traders within Kitale town.

The Governor expresses his satisfaction, "Business space has been scarce for our traders, but through my cooperation with Kenya Railways, who provided us with land, I am pleased that the new market will create space for our traders."

In addition to promoting agriculture and trade, Governor Natembeya's administration is making significant strides in healthcare.

In his bid to making the newly constructed Wamalwa Kijana Teaching and Referral Hospital fully operational, the county government is constructing the Tom Mboya Mother and Child Hospital at a cost of Sh.101 million.

At 70% completion, this hospital will contribute to maternal health, easing the burden on residents like Priscah Nelima, who anticipates reduced costs for maternal services.

Collaborating with Safaricom, the Trans Nzoia administration has initiated the construction of a Maternity Unit at Kwanza Subcounty Hospital, costing Sh.32 million.

Residents believe that this facility will help prevent deaths resulting from the lack of adequate delivery facilities in the area.

Recognising the need for proper environemnt for workforce, Governor George Natembeya’s administration is constructing a County Building Complex at Agricultural land, with a budget of Sh.500 million.

This new headquarters will provide a conducive environment for the governor and the entire workforce to deliver services effectively.

Upon completion, the building will accommodate 80% of the county departments, offering amenities such as boardrooms, prayer rooms, a gym for workers, and spacious waiting rooms for the public.

Governor Natembeya's commitment to education is evident through the issuance of bursaries totaling more than Sh.120 million, benefiting over 9,800 students.

Most of these bursaries will cover the entire four-year academic period, aiming to ensure 100% transition for all students.

In his first year in office, Governor Natembeya has also elevated all Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) caregivers to permanent and pensionable terms.

The administration has concluded a pilot program to provide ECDE pupils with milk and porridge at school, encouraging increased enrollment.This will has an allocated budget of close to sh.70 Million per year as the program is fully implemented.