Kirinyaga farmers trained on climate-smart agriculture

Hundreds of farmers from across Kirinyaga County gathered at the Kirinyaga Agricultural Technical and Vocational Education and Training Centre (ATVET) at Kamweti Farm for the county’s annual farmers’ field day, where they received hands-on training on climate-smart agriculture, modern farming technologies and new agribusiness opportunities.

The two-day event, held from March 6–7, 2026, brought together farmers, agricultural experts, agribusiness stakeholders, students and members of the public for demonstrations, exhibitions and training sessions aimed at boosting productivity and strengthening sustainable farming practices.

This year’s event was held under the theme “Promoting climate smart agriculture and trade initiatives for sustainable economic growth,” highlighting the need for farmers to adopt sustainable practices that help them adapt to climate change while improving yields and farm incomes.

Governor Anne Waiguru has been consistent in her efforts to support farmers in the county to adopt good agricultural practices that enable them improve yields and conform to standard safety, environmental sustainability and quality as well. Through Wezesha Kirinyaga program, the governor has rewritten the county’s agricultural sector story and transformed smallholder farming into a dynamic engine of growth and empowerment that has increased farmers’ incomes.

While speaking at the exhibition, Kirinyaga County Executive Committee Member
(CECM) for Agriculture, Livestock, Veterinary and Fisheries Dr. John Gachara said the annual field day remains an important platform for empowering farmers with practical knowledge and modern farming techniques.

During the field day, farmers received training on improved crop varieties, livestock management, fisheries, sustainable soil management and responsible use of agrochemicals.

Dr. Gachara urged farmers to apply the knowledge gained during the event to improve productivity and value addition on their farms, while also emphasizing the need for proper use of agrochemicals to avoid health and environmental risks.

He also announced that the former Kamweti Agricultural Training Center (ATC) has been upgraded and registered as an agricultural TVET, strengthening its role in agricultural training and research within the county.

He revealed that the centre has already begun admitting students into new programs, including ICT courses introduced in January, with agriculture courses expected to begin in May and encouraged families across the county to enroll their children at the institution to acquire practical agricultural skills that can transform farming into a viable career.

Agricultural experts at the event also trained farmers on organic and environmentally friendly farming methods.

Organic agronomist Zachary Mwangi said the training was helping farmers adopt healthier and more sustainable farming systems. “We are here training farmers on organic farming, the best plants and how to maintain and improve soil organically,” he said, adding that the initiative is helping farmers transition to safer inputs.

Farmers attending the event said the demonstrations and training sessions had exposed them to new farming technologies and high-yield crop varieties.

Justus Kamau, a fish farmer from Kiamutugu who also grows maize, said he was particularly impressed by the maize variety showcased during the demonstrations. “I have seen a particular variety of maize and I am very impressed by its high yielding nature,” he said, noting that he plans to plant the variety on his half-acre farm.

Another farmer, Evans Kabutu, said the field day helped farmers learn improved techniques for crops such as cabbages, African nightshade (managu) and maize, while also promoting organic farming practices.

Some of the services exhibited during the event included value addition technologies, climate smart farm inputs and technologies as well as farm produce.

He thanked the county Government for consistently empowering farmers to increase agricultural productivity for better incomes and improved food security in the county.