The County Government of Kitui has intensified its push to transform agriculture into a productive and profitable sector through a strategic extension monitoring drive aimed at strengthening farmer advisory services at the grassroots.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, saw county officials convene a sub-county review meeting in Kitui East Sub-County before proceeding to a field assessment visit in Chuluni Ward.
The exercise is part of a broader county strategy focused on enhancing service delivery, improving productivity, and ensuring farmers receive timely, practical, and data-driven support.
Led by County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture and Livestock, Dr. Stephen Mbaya Kimwele, the team—comprising extension and agricultural officers—engaged field staff in a results-based evaluation forum.
The discussions centered on assessing ongoing programmes, identifying service delivery gaps, and crafting practical solutions to improve efficiency and farmer outreach.
Dr. Kimwele reaffirmed the county’s commitment to building a responsive, evidence-driven extension system that directly impacts farmers’ livelihoods.
“Our goal is to ensure extension services are not only accessible but also impactful, equipping farmers with the right knowledge, skills, and linkages to thrive in a changing agricultural landscape,” he said.
During the field visit, the team toured the farm of Eric Mumo, a progressive fish farmer in Chuluni Ward whose venture highlights the growing potential of aquaculture in Kitui County. Mumo has invested in eight fish ponds with a combined capacity of 55,621 fish, primarily rearing catfish due to its adaptability to local environmental conditions.
Beyond fish production, he has established hatcheries for fingerling production, with the visiting team taken through the breeding and rearing processes. His integrated aquaculture model is increasingly positioning fish farming as a viable income-generating activity in the region.
Mumo currently supplies fish to nearby markets at KSh 400 per kilogram and is exploring opportunities to access external markets where he can secure better prices, signaling the need for stronger market linkages for local farmers.
County officials noted that such success stories underscore the importance of strengthening extension services to support farmers with technical expertise, boost productivity, and connect them to competitive markets.
The initiative aligns with Governor Dr. Julius Malombe’s broader vision of transforming agriculture into a sustainable and commercially viable sector that drives economic growth and improves livelihoods across Kitui County.
