Development
Elgeyo Marakwet County has introduced a new agricultural policy requiring households to engage in commercial farming activities as a measure to combat poverty in the county.
By the end of the year, every household must have at least half an acre of cash crops or meet specific criteria for livestock keeping. During a recent county meeting, Governor Wisley Rotich emphasized the need for diversified farming to stabilize incomes and improve the standard of living.
“They can take up mango farming, tea, coffee, pyrethrum, or even sorghum to even out their way of life,” he said. “If you do not have cash crops, you must have a dairy cow that produces a minimum of 15 liters of milk daily or have at least 50 chickens.”
The governor highlighted the dire economic situation in the county, noting that 46 percent of the population lives in poverty. “This means that 4.5 out of 10 people in our county are struggling to pay their bills,” he stated.
Governor Rotich expressed his determination to see every household venture into cash crop farming to elevate their livelihood. “We want every household to participate in this initiative,” he said, “to ensure they can overcome the challenges they face and build a better future.”
The governor noted that this plan aims to harness the county’s agricultural potential, promote self-sufficiency, and significantly reduce poverty levels.