The County Government of Nakuru plans to strengthen its collaboration with the UK to guarantee continued market access for horticultural products from Kenya.

Governor Lee Kinyanjui noted that Nakuru was the leading producer of herbs, spices, cut flowers and vegetables.

The governor stated that despite COVID-19 disruptions, the UK market accounts for 43 per cent of total exports of vegetables from Kenya as well as at least 9 per cent of cut flowers.

He was speaking at the County Headquarters after holding talks with United Kingdom High Commissioner to Kenya, Ms Jane Marriott.

The Governor added that, as the largest economy in East Africa and among the top 10 in the continent, Kenya was an important trading partner for the UK.

He also noted that increased access to the UK export market by hundreds of smallholder farmers who have ventured into avocado farming would improve livelihoods and increase incomes for thousands of rural households.

Mr Kinyanjui assured that his administration had dispatched agriculture extension officers to train youthful horticultural farmers on the mandatory standards their produce is expected to meet in the European Union (EU) and other export markets.

Ms Marriott called on Kenya to ride on the deal with the UK to grow its exports, which are largely agricultural produce.

The County Government of Nakuru has distributed 3,900-month-old chicks to various farmers groups in Amalo Ward, Kuresoi South sub-County.

The 40 farmer groups are the first in the region to receive the birds through the Local Chicken Stimulus Project that seeks to empower farmers economically.

So far, the County Government of Nakuru, under the leadership of Governor Lee Kinyanjui has distributed 35,000-month-old chicks across the County.

Acting County Director of Livestock Production, Ms Virginiah Ngunjiri advised farmers on proper practices, among them strict vaccination schedule to keep diseases at bay.

According to the Directorate of Livestock Production, Kuresoi South comes third in indigenous bird population of over 177, 000 after Njoro and Gilgil Sub Counties.

At the same time, more than 4,400 chicks were distributed to 70 farmer groups in the Njoro sub-county in an exercise led by Livestock Officer, Ms Eunice Nginya.

Members of County Assembly Mr Wesley Korir of Amalo Ward and Zachariah Kahero of Njoro commended the County for initiating the stimulus program to empower farmers.

“Besides selling the birds, the farmers will benefit from the eggs and meat thus improving nutrition status in the region. The droppings too can be used as manure to grow crops,” stated Wesley.

This year the County Government of Nakuru has targets to distribute over 49,000-month-old chicks. Last year, the County distributed 30,000 chicks.

The County Government of Nakuru has distributed nine automatic incubators of 176 egg capacity, nine back up generators and over 2,300 indigenous fertilized eggs to seven farmer groups in Njoro Ward, Njoro sub-county.

Also, the groups received automatic voltage regulators to help in the regulation of power supply within a range that is compatible with the other electrical components.

The exercise is part of the Local Chicken Stimulus Project which the County aims at increasing the number of indigenous chicken across the County for nutrition and income generation.

Livestock Production Officer, Ms Jane Waititu while accompanied by area MCA Zachariah Kahero said the program would creating employment at the grassroots level, helping locals utilize their capital to generate income.

According to the Directorate of Livestock Production, farmers can also use the incubators to brood eggs from other poultry birds taking note of each bird’s days of hatching.

Last year the County Government distributed 15 automatic incubators in Njoro Ward, Njoro sub-county in addition to a month old improved kienyeji chicks.