By CGoK.Comm.Dept
Kitui Executive for Agriculture and Livestock Dr. Stephen Mbaya Kimwele has today overseen the training of 183 agripreneurs on the Agripreneur Model and Hybrid Extension approach in Kiusyani, Kitui Rural and Mutomo Sub-Counties, in a strategic move aimed at strengthening farmer support systems and unlocking agribusiness opportunities for youth across all the 40 wards.
The 3-day training brought together young innovators and agricultural actors, CDDCs , FEOs and Sacco’s Leadership to equip them with skills on delivering modern, demand-driven extension services while positioning them as key drivers of agricultural transformation.
The Agripreneur Model blends agriculture with entrepreneurship, empowering participants to build sustainable and profitable ventures while supporting smallholder farmers with timely advisory services.
Through the model, trained agripreneurs will act as crucial linkages between farmers and essential services, including access to quality farm inputs, agri-technologies, financial services, and reliable markets. This approach is expected to bridge long-standing gaps in extension service delivery by introducing efficiency, innovation, and accountability at the grassroots level.
Dr. Mbaya noted that the county is increasingly shifting towards hybrid extension systems that integrate traditional field-based support with digital solutions. He emphasized that leveraging technology will not only enhance the reach of extension services but also ensure farmers receive real-time, climate-smart advisories tailored to their needs.
Central to the initiative is the Business Accelerator framework, which will nurture agripreneurs through mentorship, business coaching, and market integration, enabling them to scale their enterprises while delivering impactful services to farming communities. Additionally, the rollout of a digital agripreneur platform will support farmer mobilization, streamline service delivery, and promote transparency and traceability within agricultural value chains.
The County Government of Kitui continues *to prioritize innovative, youth-driven solutions in agriculture as part of Governor Dr. Julius Malombe’s broader agenda to boost productivity, create employment, and build resilient farming systems.* The agripreneur model is expected to play a pivotal role in redefining extension services while fostering inclusive growth in the sector.
*Thursday 16th April 2026*
