Kirinyaga County Governor Anne Waiguru has received accolades from the Canadian Minister for International Development, Ahmed Hussen, for her unwavering commitment to promoting youth agripreneurship within the county.

During his recent visit to projects managed by youth groups engaged in agripreneurship, Minister Hussen praised Governor Waiguru and the County Government of Kirinyaga for embracing modern agricultural techniques and supporting young individuals in pursuing agriculture as a viable career option for personal, familial, and community-based economic development.


Hussen was visibly impressed with the county's commitment to training young people in the utilization of digital technology within agriculture.

He highlighted the significant impact this training has on the ability to harness agricultural potential and share knowledge with farmers across the entire county.

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"I am grateful for the opportunity to come and see how young people are embracing agriculture as a path for career option for economic development, and I commend Kirinyaga County Government in partnership with other players for their initiative in leveraging agriculture as a source of economic prosperity and development for the community," stated Minister Hussen during his visit.

Accompanying Minister Hussen were the Canadian High Commissioner, Christopher Thornley, UNICEF-Generation Unlimited CEO Kevin Frey, and Sriram Bharatam, KUZA CEO.

When asked about potential collaboration between Canada and Kirinyaga County in economic empowerment programs, Minister Hussen noted that Kirinyaga's initiatives align with Canada's international assistance policy, which prioritizes youth and women empowerment.

"There is absolutely great potential for partnership in Kirinyaga, and one of my priorities as the new Minister for International Development is on how we can better use our development dollars to encourage and support economic empowerment and development in developing countries, with agriculture being central to that," Hussen said.

Hussen emphasized that Kirinyaga serves as an exemplary county that has recognized the true potential of agriculture as an economic driver, empowering youth and women to view agriculture as a valuable career option for personal growth and economic development within the community.


The minister engaged with the county's youth agripreneurs as they showcased their achievements through the integration of digital technology in agriculture.

This approach has not only increased production but also provided essential extension services to farmers and facilitated market linkages for themselves and fellow farmers.

Hussen lauded the e-agriculture program as an inspiration and the future of agriculture.

Deputy Governor David Githanda, who accompanied the delegation, revealed Kirinyaga County's Disruptive Agricultural Technology initiative.

This initiative promotes digital technology adoption in agriculture to enhance production and profitability.

Currently, 200 farmers groups comprising 4,000 farmers have benefited from agricultural digital solutions through the KUZA Biashara innovation program, with plans to scale up to 940 groups encompassing approximately 19,000 members.

Through this initiative, farmers gain access to agricultural extension services, business incubation opportunities, market connections, subsidized soil testing, and financial literacy programs.

Additionally, the program aims to establish 80 demonstration farms in public schools across the county, with each ward hosting four farms, including one center of excellence.

This educational approach aims to instil agricultural values in students and provide a teaching model for surrounding smallholder farmers.

The county government's completion of the Wezesha Kirinyaga Agro-digital Hub in Kandongu marks another milestone.

The hub will serve as a digital agriculture innovation centre, fostering digital extension services and incubating agribusiness ideas.

Githanda highlighted that, under the Wezesha program, the county government has supported approximately 619 farmers' groups in diversifying their agricultural practices and adopting modern technologies. 

Supported value chains include tomato, avocado, dairy, poultry, dairy goats, beekeeping, fish farming, and pig farming, among others.

He encouraged young people to rethink agriculture as a means to uplift their living standards. James Mbogo, Chairman of the Mwihotori Youth Group in Kerugoya, shared his experience as a beneficiary of disruptive technology in agriculture.

Thanks to the county government's intervention, his group now operates a professional agribusiness, growing tomatoes in a greenhouse.


The transition from traditional methods to modern agricultural practices has not only reduced costs but also ensured returns on their investments.

Kirinyaga County's commitment to youth agripreneurship and the integration of digital technology has garnered international recognition, fostering hope for a brighter future in agriculture and economic development.

The Canadian Minister's visit underscores the importance of youth agripreneurship and the adoption of digital technology in agriculture as drivers of economic development, not only in Kirinyaga County but as a model for similar initiatives worldwide.