Kirinyaga: In a collaborative effort between Sweden, Kenya, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), a new digital platform is being developed to provide local farmers in Kirinyaga with instant access to crucial agricultural information. Swedish Ambassador to Kenya, H¥kan Akesson, announced the ongoing plans aimed at allowing farmers to register and subscribe for information with ease and efficiency.
According to Kenya News Agency, Ambassador Akesson highlighted the significance of embracing digital solutions during his visit to Kirinyaga County. Accompanied by senior FAO officials, he assessed the progress of digitization in the region. Kirinyaga was selected as the pilot county to demonstrate the transformative potential of technology in agriculture, including cost reduction, yield improvement, and increased household income. Akesson emphasized Sweden’s long-standing support for Kenya’s agricultural sector, dating back to the 1960s.
Akesson expressed pride in collaborating with Kirinyaga and FAO, noting that the new platform will enable farmers to register, access subsidized fertilizer, and receive timely information, thereby enhancing transparency, accountability, and efficiency. He also revealed that Sweden has invested over USD 5.5 million in the digital program to ensure its success.
Dr. John Gachara, Kirinyaga’s County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, hailed the initiative as a ‘digital agrarian revolution,’ positioning Kirinyaga as a model for digital agriculture in Kenya. With over 135,000 farmers already registered on the Kenya Integrated Agriculture Management Information System (KIAMIS), only 4,000 remain to be enrolled.
Plans are underway to integrate the county’s system with the national framework, allowing for modernized extension services via a mobile app. This integration will facilitate direct interaction between farmers and extension officers, according to Dr. Gachara.
FAO’s Kenya Representative, Charles Bebay, acknowledged the benefits of digitization and the challenges of addressing the specific needs of different counties. He assured that the platform will be customized to provide tailored solutions, especially in accessing markets.
Wilfred Oluoch, FAO Programme Officer, stated that the KIAMES system aims to ensure all farmers across Kenya’s counties are registered and receive their due benefits. The program will also make extension services readily available through the digital platform, enabling farmers to access the necessary information and support at their convenience.
The digital initiative is not only facilitating access to subsidized fertilizer but also linking farmers to markets, promoting climate-smart practices, and ensuring real-time communication between extension officers and households.