Kiambu Governor Kiamani Wamatangi today launched a piglet’s donation initiative aimed at empowering young men to become agribusiness entrepreneurs.
The event that took place in Gatundu North Sub-County, Mangu Ward saw over 30 select groups of young men receive donations of piglets and animal feed. The piglet distribution is part of Governor Wamatangi’s grassroots empowerment strategy with an objective to build economic independence through agriculture in all the sixty wards in the county.
According to the County Boss, the project is aimed at boosting income and creating sustainable livelihoods. “The long wait is finally over! I pledged to support our men by empowering them with piglets as a step towards turning them into agribusiness entrepreneurs and today, each selected group will receive up to 10 piglets and a supply of animal feed as seed capital,” Wamatangi said.
The initiative is part of a larger programme that has also seen the distribution of improved kienyeji chicks to women across Kiambu. “Through this project, we aim to engage both men and youth in pig rearing, which, if well nurtured, has the potential to uplift our people economically. This piglet distribution is part of our grassroots empowerment strategy, which has also seen my administration provide improved Kienyeji chicks to women across Kiambu,” he said.
Selected groups of men receiving donations of donations of piglets and animal feed by the Kiambu governor Kiamani Wamatangi to empower young men to become agribusiness entrepreneurs Photo by Grace Naishoo.
He assured residents that beyond the initial distribution, the county government would provide extension services, training, and market linkage support to ensure the success. Paul Kimani, one of the beneficiaries, told KNA that pig farming is an exercise that has great potential in the region and if well nurtured, it has the potential to uplift and change their lives economically.
“I am excited that my dream of becoming a pig farmer has materialized thanks to Governor Wamatangi. I expect that by December, my pig will be ready to get pregnant and produce more piglets that I will be able to sell,” said Kimani. Kimani says that in future, he would like to do value addition by producing sausages and bacon and become the best breeder.
“A kilo of pork goes for Sh400 in the butchery, and a mature pig sells at 30,000 to 40,000 shillings depending on the size… I am also looking to work with big companies like Farmers Choice as they offer a reliable market,” cited Kimani.