agriBORA, a Kenyan agri-sector innovator, has launched agriGHALA, a digital service that enables farmers to store their commodities in a certified warehouse, monitor market prices, and then sell at the optimal time.
This initiative aims to revolutionize smallholder farming in Kenya by integrating a Warehouse Receipt-Central Registry System (eWRS-CR) with a digital trading platform, facilitating access to financial institutions.
The launch featured the opening of agriBORA’s first operational warehouse in Eldoret, marking Kenya’s third privately operated warehouse under the Warehouse Receipt System (WRS).
The 4,650-square-foot facility has a storage capacity of over 500 tonnes (11,000 bags) of grains and pulses.
This initiative is a collaborative effort among the Warehouse Receipt System Council (WRSC), the Uasin Gishu County Government, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) with financial contributions from the Netherlands, the Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC), and Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB).
What services will be available at agriGHALA?
Through the agriGHALA service, agriBORA will issue warehouse receipts (WR) to farmers. These value-backed receipts for stored commodities will enable farmers to access credit, empowering them to purchase inputs for the next planting season, cover other critical expenses, and delay sales until market conditions improve.
Additionally, warehouse receipts can serve as commodity contracts for trading on WRS-accredited exchanges.
The launch was officiated by Jonathan Bii Chelilim, the Governor of Uasin Gishu County, and brought together key stakeholders across the agricultural value chain, including farmer organizations, financial institutions, offtakers, government agencies, investors, and other development partners.
As part of its strategic growth, agriBORA plans to expand its storage capacity to 300,000 MT within five years, with six additional warehouses expected to be licensed in early 2025.
“We’re excited to introduce the agriGHALA service offering safe storage and better prices as a game-changer for many Kenyan farmers. By reducing post-harvest losses, enhancing market access, and unlocking new growth opportunities, this service marks a significant step as we expand our impact across Kenya and beyond,” said Kizito Odhiambo, CEO of agriBORA, remarked.
Impact of smallholder farmers to Kenyan economy
Kenya’s smallholder farmers, who contribute over 75% of agricultural output, often face significant challenges in accessing finance, with only 4% of bank loans reaching this sector. Market access is also hindered by fluctuating prices, middlemen, and inadequate storage.
agriGHALA aims to overcome these barriers by providing farmers with secure storage and access to credit through collateralized receipts, driving financial inclusion and sustainability.
Uasin Gishu County is a key food production zone, with over 120,000 smallholder households and key crops like maize, wheat, and avocados.
Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim highlighted the county’s efforts to promote WRS adoption, including warehouse construction for cooperatives and educating farmers about its benefits.
According to the Governor, “These efforts are vital for empowering farmers with reliable warehousing access, enhancing food security, and reducing the current 25% post-harvest losses.
During the upcoming harvest season, proactive WRS use could save farmers over Ksh 5 billion in potential losses, providing a critical safety net for the agricultural sector.”
