MAY 15TH 2018-the county government of Bomet signed a partnership agreement with the Global Communities, an international development organization, on working together to support cooperatives and agribusiness enterprises in the county. The partnership agreement will see Bomet benefit from two programs implemented by Global Communities; AIMS (Agribusiness Investment for Market Stimulation program) and EMIRGE (Enabling Market Integration through Rural Group Empowerment) which are funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) respectively.
The Governor, Hon Dr. Joyce Laboso emphasized the need to invest in the cooperative societies under one value chain. The county has committed Ksh 60 million to the cooperative movement in Bomet County to be channeled through revolving funds. Bomet County already has 12 different cooperatives societies whose leaders are undergoing training on leadership and governance under the new partnership with Global Communities. The training is conducted by the Kenya Dairy Farmers Federation (KDFF)
The partnership agreement will also seeks to develop county co-operatives legislation framework through a participatory approach, build capacities of agribusiness service cooperatives and producer organizations through business advisory services including training based on their needs.
The intended impact of this partnership is to promote growth of the agricultural sector, assist farmers to access credit facilities and market information, technical and management training for agribusiness entrepreneurs, agricultural cooperatives, agriculture storage facilities, and regional agriculture exchanges.
This partnership will go a long way in keeping with the national government’s four-point agenda on food security.
Dr. Laboso also said that her government seeks a long term development partnership with Global Communities on areas of knowledge sharing, technical training and financial assistance as well as market links to enable the county government accomplish some of the key projects in the county.
EMIRGE Country Lead, Mark Matabi, stated that EMIRGE is committed to support willing counties to develop co-operative legislative framework to allow for the smooth operation of co-operatives at the devolved units. He mentioned that 10 counties including Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, Embu.Uasin Gishu, Kajiado,Taita Taveta,Siaya,Kisumu and now Bomet under the new pact.
Global Communities County Director and AIMS Chief of Party, Kimberly Tilock said that “Global Communities is ready to work with counties on a demand-driven approach as demonstrated by Bomet County Government.”
For more information,please contact Stephine Ogutu through sogutu@globalcommunities.org.
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