EU targets women, youth in Sh5bn plan

About 2,400 women and youth self-help groups (SHGs) from Machakos, Kisii, Uasin Gishu and 21 other counties could benefit from a Sh5.1 billion European Union funding aimed at enhancing food production.

This is after the European Union invited applications from active SHGs whose portfolio will be vetted for viability before being enrolled into the programme which will see the members trained on book-keeping, entrepreneurship and investor-readiness.

The AgriBiz kitty that will be supplemented by an additional Sh17.1 billion in loans is to be implemented in the next five years with the SHG members being taken through investor-readiness training thereby enabling them to scale their operations via value addition and enrolment of more members.

Implementers of the programme, the Kenya Climate Innovation Center (KCIC), said the projec is aimed at creating job opportunities in the agribusiness value chain.

“We are committed in assisting the successful applicants commercialise and develop their ideas into sustainable industries that will not only improve on food security, but will also provide sustainable jobs to many,” said KCIC chief executive Edward Mungai.

Dr Mungai spoke in Machakos township when EU Ambassador Simon Mordue commissioned the month-long AgriBiz competition whose applications will be opened on March 12.

The competition has been divided into four regions where Machakos co-ordinates applications from Makeuni, Kajiado and Kitui while Kisii receives applications from Nyamira, Kericho, Kisumu, Migori, Homabay, Bomet and Narok.

Uasin Gishu will cover Nandi, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, Turkana, West Pokot while Isiolo will cover Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Marsabit, Samburu.

The AgriBiz call is also open to individuals, community-based organisations as well as SMEs that operate at different levels of animal and crops value chains.