Kisii County Governor Simba Arati has recognized the roles played by development partners in enhancing development in counties thereby improving livelihoods of mwananchi.
Speaking at the Kisii Agricultural Training Center (ATC) during the official handover ceremony of assets developed by the Micro Enterprises Support Program Trust (MESPT)-AgriFI Project to the County Government, the Governor said his administration will fully work with the development partners to foster development.
The MESPT-AgriFI Project headed by the Chief Executive Officer Rebecca Amukhoye has supported the County in developing a modern Zero Grazing Unit at the ATC which serves as a demonstration center for farmers, renovated classrooms, installed internet connectivity, constructed a biogas which powers the kitchen and constructed the Kisii Municipal Marikiti Wet market.
“The wet market has created a conducive environment for our traders as they operate in a hygienic surrounding where food items are not mixed with non-food items. I sincerely thank our partners,” said Simba.
He thanked the AgriFI for supporting the development of the Business Plan for ATC which the county government is implementing.
“I am happy that you have facilitated the process of accreditation of the institution to offer Agriculture Technical Vocational Education Training (ATVET) courses. Our farmers have an institution where they can improve their skills in different enterprises,” alluded Simba.
The governor said ATVET will improve farmers’ entrepreneurship to enable them make more returns adding that the development of ATVET Policy and Regulations allows the institution to operate within the required law.
The Governor appreciated the AgriFI project for partnering with the county to promote Food Safety through supporting the formation of the Kisii County Food and Feed safety Committees, supporting the legislative process in the development of the Kisii County Food and Feed Safety Policy and the Kisii County Food Safety Bill, supporting the sensitization of farmers and other Value chain on matters of Food Safety and training of staff from the various County departments on Food Safety.
The MESPT CEO thanked the Governor for the continued support his administration is offering in ensuring the success of the projects.
Amukhoye who was accompanied by the chairman of the board Naoh Meely among other officers said MESPT strives to promote economic growth, creates employment and alleviates poverty though supporting various enterprises.
She said MESPT is working with the county government to set up a poultry a modern abattoir at the Municipal Market and thanked the county coordinator Dr. Winston Motanya for overseeing the implementation of projects.
“In Kisii, we are focusing on aquaculture, banana and poultry. We are grateful for all the support accorded from the department of Agriculture,” said Amukhoye.
The event was attended by the County Secretary James Ntabo, County Executive Committee (CEC) members led by the Dr. Margret Obaga (Agriculture, Fisheries. Livestock Development and Irrigation, Chief Officers among other senior officials.
