Written by Biriah Obiero and Mercy Kihugu

The County Government of Nakuru continues to strengthen its commitment to agricultural transformation by distributing avocado seedlings to farmers across various sub-counties. The initiative is part of the county’s broader strategy to promote crop diversification, climate-smart agriculture, food security, and sustainable livelihoods among farming communities.

Farmers benefited from the distribution program, which targeted households and sought to encourage residents to adopt high-value fruit farming as an alternative, reliable source of income.

While in Kuresoi North, Agriculture CECM Leonard Bor emphasised that avocado farming has increasingly become a viable agribusiness venture capable of improving household nutrition while generating long-term economic benefits. He urged farmers to ensure proper management of the seedlings through regular watering, pest control, and protection from livestock damage to maximise productivity.

Bor noted that the program aligns with Governor Susan Kihika’s vision of empowering farmers through sustainable agricultural initiatives that support environmental conservation and economic growth, reiterating that the county remains focused on supporting farmers through extension services, agricultural training, and access to farm inputs.

Similar exercises have also been carried out in Nakuru Town East, Nakuru Town West, Njoro and Kuresoi South sub-counties, where farmers benefited from the distribution program. He highlighted the role of fruit farming in addressing food insecurity while creating employment and agribusiness opportunities for local communities.

Residents who attended the exercises expressed appreciation to the county government for prioritising agricultural empowerment programmes to improve livelihoods. Farmers noted that avocado farming would not only provide additional income but also contribute to soil conservation and environmental sustainability.

In Molo Sub-county, Chief Officer Dr Michael Cheruiyot highlighted the nutritional and economic value of fruit farming, noting that the program reflects the county’s continued efforts to improve food security and empower local communities through sustainable agriculture.

Irene Wambui, a farmer from Nakuru East Sub-county, expressed her gratitude to the County Government of Nakuru for the avocado seedlings distributed as part of the ongoing agricultural empowerment program. She noted that the initiative will greatly support her efforts to diversify farming activities and improve her family’s income through fruit farming.

Wambui said the seedlings will not only contribute to household nutrition but also provide a long-term source of revenue once the trees mature. She commended the county administration under Governor Susan Kihika for prioritising farmers through climate-smart agricultural programmes that enhance food security, environmental conservation, and sustainable livelihoods for local communities.

The County Government of Nakuru continues to position agriculture as a key driver of economic transformation through investments that promote resilience, productivity, and sustainable farming practices across the county.