The County Government of Trans Nzoia has hailed the Ukulima True Campaign.
County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Irrigation, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development, Ms Phanice Khatundi said the initiative has been vital in promoting safe and clean food.
“This campaign is very important because it helps us eat safe food. If you spray your crops today and tomorrow they are on the market, you may think it is for others, but it could end up on your children’s plate without your knowledge,” said the CEC member.
Khatundi spoke on Friday, November 14, 2025 during a farmers’ field day at Kitale Avocado Farm in Kiminini Sub-County.
Who were partners for the 2025 Trans Nzoia farmer’s field day?
The event organised by the county in collaboration with the Centre of Agriculture Bioscience International (CABI) was used to sensitise farmers on food and chemical safety in agriculture.
In addition , the CECM urged farmers to cultivate crops that they and their families can consume without fear.
On his part, Director of Crops Kenneth Kagai said the aim of the field day was to encourage crop diversification and reduce dependency on maize alone.
“Avocado is one of the crops that can make a farmer wealthy. One tree can give up to Sh15,000. But with crops like avocado, tomatoes, onions, oranges, mangoes and apples, there is high use of chemicals. That is why, with CABI, we are advocating for alternative production methods to reduce misuse of chemicals,” said Kagai.
How many bags of maize is Trans Nzoia expecting in 2025?
He added that Trans Nzoia is expecting to harvest more than seven million bags of maize this year, thanks to the county’s Mbegu Initiative, which distributed free certified seeds to farmers.
The field day attracted farmers from all five sub-counties and brought together over 20 exhibitors, including KALRO, Kenya Seed Company, Western Seed, YARA, Chiromo, OCP Fertilizers and other agricultural organisations.
“Under Plantwise and Ukulima True, we advocate for risk reduction in pesticide use. We train farmers to read instructions carefully and encourage Integrated Pest Management (IPM), where chemicals are the last resort after cultural and biological controls,” said an official from CABI.
His sentiments were echoed by Maurine Njenga, CABIs representative who urged farmers to apply the lessons learned during the field day and share knowledge with others.
“A farmer is key when it comes to food safety. Everyone depends on the farmer whether a doctor, teacher, lawyer or security officer. If farmers use shortcuts, we risk the health of all consumers. We must follow the right standards to protect ourselves, others and the environment,” said Njenga.
