Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki has called on local farmers to embrace the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP), highlighting its potential to revolutionize agriculture and enhance livelihoods across the county.
Speaking at the official NAVCDP launch held at his Ruguri residence in Igambang’ombe Sub-County on Thursday, Governor Njuki presented a Sh 15 million cheque to support the initiative, demonstrating his administration’s dedication to strengthening the agricultural sector.
“Agriculture is the backbone of Tharaka Nithi, and this programme will help farmers access better markets, financial support, and modern farming technologies. I urge all farmers to take full advantage of this opportunity,” Njuki stated.
From Subsistence to Commercial Farming
The governor announced that the initiative aims to empower 80,000 small-scale farmers to transition from subsistence to commercial farming.
“For years, our farmers have struggled with small-scale farming for survival, but the time has come to move beyond subsistence. With this programme, we are equipping our farmers with the skills, resources, and market access they need to farm for profits,” he emphasized, adding that agriculture should be a source of wealth and economic growth, not merely a means of feeding families.
Supporting Critical Value Chains
Tharaka Nithi, where approximately 80 percent of the population engages in agriculture, is recognized as one of Kenya’s leading agricultural counties. The NAVCDP initiative focuses on increasing market participation, enhancing value addition, and improving access to digital technologies, irrigation, and financial support.
Key agricultural value chains identified for development include green grams, bananas, poultry, milk, and coffee. The program will particularly benefit women farmers, with 30 percent of female farmers expected to participate.
Strengthening Farmer Organizations
To enhance farmers’ bargaining power and financial access, 15 savings and credit cooperatives (SACCOs) have been established—one per ward—encouraging farmers to market their produce collectively rather than individually.
“The strength of farmers lies in unity. Selling through SACCOs gives them more bargaining power than selling to middlemen,” noted Agriculture CEC Njue Kaithungu.
Kaithungu emphasized the importance of farmer education on agribusiness and market access, encouraging adoption of modern agricultural techniques to increase productivity.
County Leadership Support
County Deputy Governor Nyaga Muisraeli praised devolution for enabling counties to direct their agricultural development, while warning residents against alcohol abuse that could undermine productivity.
County Assembly Chairpersons Jacob Kiriko (Agriculture) and Zachary Njagi (Water and Environment) assured farmers that the programme would expand market access, improve climate resilience, and promote agribusiness opportunities.
National Impact
NAVCDP is being implemented in 33 of Kenya’s 47 counties and is expected to transform agriculture through improved market linkages, financial support, and technology adoption. The project will also enhance access to irrigation and credit facilities while mobilizing over 100,000 farmers through established county implementation structures.
With strong backing from both county and national governments, Tharaka Nithi farmers now have a promising opportunity to increase productivity, improve incomes, and secure a better future through agriculture.
