Kitui County Hands Registration Certificates to New Farmers’ Producer Organizations in Mwingi

The County Government of Kitui, through the Department of Agriculture and Livestock, has officially issued certificates of registration to two newly formed Farmers’ Producer Organizations (FPOs) in Mwingi Central Sub-County. The two organizations — Mwingi Joint Mango Cooperative Society and Mwingi Poultry Farmers Cooperative Society — were formally recognized during their first general meeting held in Mwingi.

The event was presided over by the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture and Livestock, Dr. Stephen Mbaya Kimwele, who lauded the milestone as a significant step toward empowering local farmers through structured and sustainable cooperative models. He emphasized that registration provides a legal framework that allows farmers to collectively market their produce, access financial services, and engage in value addition ventures.

Dr. Kimwele commended the dedication and unity demonstrated by the farmers, noting that the cooperative approach will strengthen their bargaining power and improve income streams. He further highlighted that organized groups stand to benefit from various agricultural development initiatives, including the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Programme (NAVCDP) and other government-supported projects targeting value chain enhancement.

He assured the newly registered cooperatives of the county government’s unwavering support through continuous training, financial linkages, and market access facilitation. “The county remains committed to supporting farmer organizations that drive economic transformation and contribute to Kitui’s agricultural growth,” said Dr. Kimwele.

The formation of the two FPOs is expected to enhance mango and poultry production efficiency in the region, improve market coordination, and significantly raise the income levels of smallholder farmers across Mwingi and the larger Kitui County.

— The County Diary News