Boost as World Bank injects Sh50 billion in agriculture

By Peter Ochieng

The World Bank in collaboration with the Kenyan government has injected Sh50 billion into improving agricultural production in counties.

The partnership seeks to implement five key World Bank priority projects.

They are National Agricultural and Rural Inclusive Growth Project (NARIGP), Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture Project (KCSAP), National Agriculture Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP), Emergency Locust Response Program (ELRP) and Food Systems Resilience Program (FSRP).

In his address as the chair, Council of Governors Agriculture, Livestock and Cooperatives Committee, during the annual World Bank and county consultative meeting in Mombasa, Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka said the projects will have a positive impact in the lives of Kenyans.

"We acknowledge your relentless efforts to foster sustainable and transformative agricultural development for the betterment of our cherished nation," said Lusaka, as quoted by Bungoma governor's press unit.

He assured of their commitment to advance value chain production in counties, adding that they will safeguard all funded projects to enhance sustainability.

"I wish to assure this gathering of the unwavering commitment by the council of governors to continue supporting all the county governments to ensure effective implementation of the new operations while ensuring prudent use of the resources for the benefit of all our farmers."

The former Senate Speaker urged county leadership to shun divisive politics that may hamper the progress of funded projects.