The Government of the Uasin Gishu County signed a new partnership agreement with the Netherlands Development Organisation (SNV) to facilitate the promotion of inclusive and sustainable development throughout the county. The formal signing of the agreement was done by way of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the county headquarters in Eldoret.
The partnership establishes an entry point for various development aspects, including inclusive entrepreneurship, regenerative agriculture, water and sanitation, and productive use of renewable energy. Critical to the partnership is the empowerment of women, youths, smallholder farmers, and the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to attract broad-based economic growth.
Focus on People-Centred and Sustainable Development
The signing of the MoU marks the commitment to development by the parties at practical and people-centred levels, according to Rebecca Hallam, SNV Kenya and Burundi Country Director. She further indicated that the parties would pool their resources, expertise, and networks to achieve relevant and lasting benefits for the population of Uasin Gishu.
She emphasized that this collaboration is more than a mere MoU but rather a partnership forging together parties for the common agenda of inclusive development and sustainable transformation. Hallam stated that SNV’s extensive experience in agri-food systems, renewable energy and water and sanitation will be leveraged in alignment with the county development priorities for tangible impact at the grassroots level.
The MoU, signed at the Uasin Gishu County government headquarters in Eldoret. Photo/Courtesy
Support for Farmers amid Climate Challenges
Hallam noted that the partnership will have a direct benefit for farmers through capacity building and offering support in implementing adaptation measures to changing environmental and socio-economic conditions, adding that climate change is a serious challenge to livelihoods, especially in agriculture.
In her words, “with this programme, SNV will assist farmers in embracing regenerative approaches to agriculture that enhance productivity, improve business models and ensure long-term resilience.” The targeting will be especially towards smallholder farmers, MSMEs, and those enterprises spearheaded by women and youth, working closely with the county government in policy development and creating an enabling environment for sustainable growth.
County Welcomes Longstanding SNV Engagement
Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii embraced the formalization, assuring that SNV has increasingly been a partner in Uasin Gishu counties for over two decades now. Bii stated that the longevity of the NGO has resulted in visible and positive development outcomes on the ground.
The governor accentuated the need for partnership in handling developmental burdens since one institution cannot do it alone. He noted that partnerships like the one with SNV are critical in strengthening food security, enhancing policy implementation, and empowering communities, especially the youth.
Fit with Youth Empowerment and Food Security Agenda
Governor Bii observed that SNV has been instrumental in operationalizing policy formulation so that county policies express themselves in tangible benefits to the residents. In his view, this partnership fits perfectly with the county’s priorities relating to food preparedness, water programmes and youth empowerment.
He mentioned that Uasin Gishu has implemented a number of youth-oriented initiatives, particularly targeting young entrepreneurs with the hope that they will benefit from the programme. He expressed that water and livelihood initiatives in Uasin Gishu are being designed to deliberately include and empower youth.
Inculcating Agriculture Practicality in the Minds of Youths
Governor Bii urged youth to consider agriculture as a viable business enterprise, stating that farming is the highest employer in the country and propeller for the county’s economic transformation. He suggested that youths roll out small-scale agricultural activities such as horticulture and poultry farming backed by a strong business model.
The governor said the county departments would provide mentoring, advisory services and in due course sponsorship for young farmers and entrepreneurs. He concluded that inclusivity is paramount in the programme, which will see no youth left behind across all the wards in the entire county.
SNV has continued to operate in Kenya since 1967 to empower the poverty-stricken members of the community by enhancing their access to essential services and income generations.
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