Agriculture remains the single most critical pillar of Tharaka Nithi County’s economy, sustaining livelihoods, driving food security, and anchoring local economic growth.
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Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki highlights the county’s commitment to commercial agriculture during the launch of the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP). |
With more than 80 percent of the county’s population directly dependent on farming, strategic investment in agriculture is not optional but essential.
It is within this context that Governor Muthomi Njuki’s injection of Sh15 million into the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP) represents a decisive intervention aimed at unlocking productivity, profitability, and long-term resilience for farmers across the county.
The funding commitment signals a shift from survival-based farming to structured, market-oriented agribusiness, positioning Tharaka Nithi as a competitive agricultural hub within Kenya.
Strategic Launch of NAVCDP in Igambang’ombe Sub-County
We note that the official launch of NAVCDP at the Governor’s residence in Ruguri, Igambang’ombe Sub-County, marked a strategic milestone in county-led agricultural development.
By engaging farmers directly at the grassroots level, the county administration demonstrated its commitment to inclusive participation and practical implementation.
During the launch, the Governor presented cheques amounting to Sh15 million to support programme rollout, reinforcing confidence among farmers and stakeholders that NAVCDP is not merely a policy framework but a fully funded, action-driven initiative.
Sh15 Million Injection: Targeted Investment with High Impact
We emphasise that the Sh15 million allocation is designed to catalyse impact across the entire agricultural value chain. The funding supports:
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Farmer mobilisation and registration
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Capacity building and agribusiness training
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Strengthening farmer institutions and cooperatives
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Access to financial services and credit facilities
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Adoption of modern farming technologies and digital platforms
This targeted investment ensures that resources reach productive activities that directly enhance farmer incomes and market participation.
Empowering 80,000 Small-Scale Farmers to Farm for Profit
We underscore the county’s commitment to empower at least 80,000 small-scale farmers to transition from subsistence agriculture to commercial farming.
For decades, farmers in Tharaka Nithi have produced primarily for household consumption, often selling surplus at unfavourable prices. NAVCDP reverses this pattern by equipping farmers with:
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Business-oriented farming skills
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Market intelligence and price discovery tools
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Aggregation mechanisms for collective selling
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Support for value addition and post-harvest handling
Through this approach, agriculture is repositioned as a viable source of wealth creation rather than mere subsistence.
Priority Agricultural Value Chains for Sustainable Growth
We confirm that NAVCDP focuses on high-potential agricultural value chains that align with Tharaka Nithi’s agro-ecological conditions and market demand. These include:
Green Grams
Green grams remain a key drought-tolerant crop with strong domestic and export demand. NAVCDP supports improved seed varieties, aggregation, and structured market access to stabilise farmer incomes.
Bananas
Banana farming offers year-round production potential. The programme promotes disease-free planting materials, irrigation support, and collective marketing to reduce post-harvest losses.
Poultry
Poultry farming is prioritised for its quick returns and suitability for youth and women. NAVCDP enhances access to improved breeds, feeds, and veterinary services.
Dairy and Milk
Milk production remains central to household incomes. The initiative strengthens cold-chain infrastructure, cooperative marketing, and quality control to secure better prices for farmers.
Coffee
As a traditional cash crop, coffee benefits from renewed emphasis on value addition, quality improvement, and direct market linkages to increase farmer earnings.
Enhancing Women’s Participation in Agribusiness
We highlight that gender inclusion is a core pillar of NAVCDP implementation. At least 30 percent of beneficiaries are women, reflecting a deliberate effort to recognise and strengthen the role of women in agricultural production and agribusiness.
Women farmers benefit from targeted training, access to credit through cooperatives, and leadership opportunities within farmer organisations, ensuring equitable participation in agricultural value chains.
Establishment of SACCOs to Strengthen Bargaining Power
We recognise the establishment of 15 Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations (SACCOs), one in each ward, as a transformative step in strengthening farmers’ financial inclusion and market leverage. By selling produce through SACCOs rather than individually, farmers gain:
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Collective bargaining power
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Improved access to credit and savings
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Reduced exploitation by middlemen
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Transparent pricing mechanisms
This cooperative model directly enhances farm-gate prices and income stability.
Agribusiness Training and Market Access as Core Enablers
We affirm that production alone does not guarantee profitability. NAVCDP therefore prioritises comprehensive agribusiness training covering:
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Market research and demand analysis
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Cost management and pricing strategies
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Value addition and packaging
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Contract farming and structured trade
By building farmer capacity beyond production, the programme ensures that increased yields translate into tangible financial gains.
Digital Technologies and Irrigation for Climate Resilience
We acknowledge that climate variability poses a growing risk to agriculture in Tharaka Nithi. NAVCDP addresses this challenge through:
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Promotion of digital agricultural platforms for extension services
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Support for irrigation infrastructure to reduce reliance on rainfall
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Adoption of climate-smart farming practices
These interventions enhance resilience, reduce crop failure risks, and stabilise production across seasons.
County Leadership and Devolution Driving Agricultural Progress
We commend the role of devolution in enabling county governments to design and implement context-specific agricultural solutions. The presence of the Deputy Governor, County Executive Committee members, and County Assembly leadership at the launch underscores unified political support for agricultural transformation.
County leaders reaffirmed their commitment to:
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Improving market access
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Enhancing climate resilience
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Supporting agribusiness development
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Addressing social challenges that undermine productivity
Mobilising Over 101,000 Farmers Through County Structures
We confirm that NAVCDP will mobilise more than 101,679 farmers through established county implementation structures. This scale ensures widespread participation, consistent monitoring, and effective delivery of programme benefits across wards and sub-counties.
NAVCDP Within the National Agricultural Transformation Agenda
We place the Tharaka Nithi initiative within the broader national context, noting that NAVCDP is being implemented in 33 out of 47 counties. The programme aligns county priorities with national goals of:
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Increased market participation
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Enhanced value addition
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Improved access to finance
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Adoption of modern agricultural technologies
This alignment strengthens sustainability and long-term impact.
Expected Outcomes for Farmers and the County Economy
We project that the full implementation of NAVCDP in Tharaka Nithi will deliver:
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Higher household incomes for farmers
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Increased agricultural productivity
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Stronger farmer institutions
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Expanded employment opportunities
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Enhanced food security and economic growth
These outcomes position agriculture as a central driver of inclusive development.
A Sustainable Future Anchored in Profitable Agriculture
We conclude that Governor Njuki’s Sh15 million investment in NAVCDP represents a bold and strategic commitment to agricultural transformation in Tharaka Nithi County. By combining funding, farmer empowerment, cooperative marketing, and value chain development, the county is laying a strong foundation for profitable, resilient, and inclusive agriculture.
With sustained collaboration between farmers, county leadership, and national institutions, agriculture in Tharaka Nithi is positioned not only to feed households but to generate wealth, dignity, and long-term prosperity for generations to come.
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