Murang'a: The Murang'a county government and Nebraska State in the USA have announced plans to implement joint initiatives focused on agriculture and labor mobility sectors.
According to Kenya News Agency, Nebraska Secretary of State Robert Evnen, during his visit to Murang'a county, expressed admiration for the county's agricultural subsidy initiative, Inua Mkulima, and the youth employment program under the Murang'a Youth Service.
Evnen, while leading a delegation of U.S. investors and academics in a meeting with Governor Irungu Kang'ata, highlighted that Nebraska State has already formalized a labor mobility agreement with Kenya. This agreement aims to provide Kenyan workers with opportunities abroad. He elaborated on the potential for both regions to engage in large-scale maize-based animal feed production, given that both Murang'a and Nebraska are prominent agricultural areas with opportunities for shared expertise.
The State Secretary explained that Nebraska's extensive experience in mechanized farming and efficient supply chains could be advantageous for Murang'a farmers by reducing post-harvest losses and enhancing earnings through value addition. He also mentioned Nebraska's labor shortages in the agriculture and healthcare sectors, indicating these could be opportunities for skilled and semi-skilled workers from Murang'a.
Governor Kang'ata welcomed the collaboration, emphasizing the county's focus on attracting investments and expertise to strengthen its agricultural foundation. He noted that agriculture is the primary economic activity in Murang'a and that Nebraska's expertise could boost farm production and increase local farmers' earnings. Kang'ata emphasized the importance of connecting farmers with financial resources, training, and markets to transition from subsistence farming to agribusiness.
Peter Munga, chairperson of the Murang'a Economic and Budget Council, called for policies that support private sector investments while prioritizing small-scale farmers. He stressed that affordable credit, subsidized farm inputs, mechanization access, and assured markets are essential for unlocking the potential of smallholders, who are the backbone of Murang'a's food system.
Both delegations have decided to establish a joint technical team to identify priority cooperation areas. The team will focus on labor placement programs, agribusiness development, technology and skills transfer, and youth empowerment. Officials stated that the partnership aims to enhance food security and create sustainable employment opportunities in both regions.