On Tuesday, November 19, 2024, Dr. Stephen Mbaya Kimwele, the County Executive for Agriculture and Livestock, led a high-level team of officials on a site management visit to inspect the progress of the Meko ma Kongoa Grading and Marketing Shed in Athi Ward, Kitui South Sub County.
This transformative project, undertaken in collaboration with the Small Irrigation Value Addition Project (SIVAP), is designed to enhance agricultural productivity and improve market access for local farmers. The facility, nearing completion at 91.5%, includes a modern grading and marketing shed, an office block, a chemical store, toilets, and a secure perimeter fence.
During the visit, the project was officially handed over to the Project Management Committee (PMC), tasked with overseeing its operations and ensuring its benefits reach the community.
Dr. Kimwele lauded the initiative as a pivotal development in Kitui’s agricultural sector, emphasizing its alignment with Governor Dr. Julius Malombe’s agenda to empower farmers.
“This is a game-changer for our farmers,” Dr. Kimwele remarked. “The facility will revolutionize how you handle and market your produce, reduce post-harvest losses, and help fetch better prices. It’s a strategic investment that will benefit both present and future generations.”
Echoing his sentiments, Eng. J.K. Kebeney, the National Project Manager, highlighted the project’s broader impact on empowering communities and creating sustainable livelihoods.
Farmers expressed gratitude to the county government and SIVAP for their unwavering support, with many optimistic about the upcoming harvest season. They look forward to leveraging the facility for aggregating and marketing crops like millet and green grams starting in April.
The event was graced by key officials, including Francis Kitoo, Director of Agriculture, and Patricia Koki, County Project Coordinator, alongside other senior officials.
Once complete, the Meko ma Kongoa Grading and Marketing Shed is set to transform Kitui South’s agricultural landscape, reducing post-harvest losses and boosting the economic well-being of farmers in the region.
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