This archive report was first published on 29 June 2020.
As Kenya grapples with the economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, a new programme is offering a lifeline to women and youth in the agriculture sector.
Launched in March, the government classified food dealers, distributors, wholesalers, and transporters of farm produce as critical and essential service providers, exempting them from the nationwide curfew.
Building on this initiative, the Kenya Climate Innovation Centre (KCIC) has rolled out AgriBiz, a Sh5.1 billion five-year programme that targets women and the youth in the crops and livestock value chains.
Financed by the European Union and Danida, the programme aims to address issues that block the youth and women from venturing into agribusiness, such as restricted access to factors of production and negative perceptions of agribusiness initiatives.
AgriBiz will provide training and support to 2,400 women and youth-led agribusinesses, creating 17,000 job opportunities and leveraging Sh17.6 billion in loans from local financial institutions.
The programme will be implemented jointly with eight county governments, setting up incubation hubs in Kilifi, Machakos, Kiambu, Meru, Isiolo, Kisii, Bungoma, and Uasin Gishu.
As Kenyans weather the coronavirus crisis, AgriBiz is a timely reminder that we need to look at the future with renewed hope.
The writer is based at the Kenya Climate Innovation Centre.
