Trans Nzoia County has achieved a major milestone in food production, with maize output soaring to 7 million bags in 2025, up from 4.8 million bags in 2022.
In a State of the County address to the County Assembly, Governor George Natembeya said his administration achieved the increased output through deliberate initiatives that empower smallholder farmers and reduce the burden of farm input costs.
“Through the Fukuza Njaa initiative, we have so far supplied free certified seed to 459,000 households to remove barriers that prevented farmers from accessing quality inputs,” Natembeya said, adding that the county’s aggressive reforms are beginning to bear fruit.
He also attributed the growth to improved national government-subsidized fertilizer access, achieved through a coordinated last-mile distribution system. Satellite warehouses in six wards now ensure farmers receive inputs on time.
“To curb post-harvest losses, the county has built seven modern warehouses and installed nine maize dryers, with plans to place at least one dryer in every ward,” he noted.
The county further reported major investments in avocado, sunflower, and coffee value chains, projecting KES 700 million in annual earnings from coffee and KES 1.26 billion from avocado farming.
Governor Natembeya said diversification is the county’s next frontier, noting that expanding value chains will create employment opportunities, strengthen agribusiness, and significantly raise household incomes across the county.
“The livestock sector is equally gaining momentum. In Cherangany, dairy farmers now benefit from a 16,000-litre milk pasteurizer and a 3,000-litre shelf-life extender, improving processing efficiency and product quality,” he said.
Natembeya said his administration has also revived 33 communal cattle dips and deployed 90 veterinary staff to intensify foot-and-mouth disease vaccinations.
He challenged poultry farmers in the region to prepare for expanded market access following the launch of a new chicken abattoir, capable of processing 1,200 birds per hour, which is expected to unlock significant commercial opportunities.
“This abattoir will be a game-changer for small-scale producers. It will open doors to larger markets, ensure better prices, and give farmers the chance to grow and scale up their operations,” said the Governor.
