Uasin Gishu has made history by becoming the first county in Kenya to pilot an e-voucher-based animal vaccination program.
The initiative, which was launched in Sergoit Ward, on Friday, May 2, 2025, allows farmers to access East Coast Fever (ECF) vaccines at a highly subsidized cost of KSh 17 per animal—down from the previous KSh 150.
Backed by KSh 2.7 million in funding and implemented through the Tuiyotich Cooperative, the program is targeting 20,000 animals.
It also introduces digital animal IDs and leverages automated payments through Safaricom to ensure transparency and accountability.
“This is a historic step for our county and a model for the rest of the country. We are empowering our farmers with affordable, tech-driven solutions that will protect their livestock and improve productivity,” said Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim.
In addition, as part of broader efforts to enhance agricultural extension services, the county unveiled 21 new motorcycles distributed to ward-level agricultural officers to enhance safety and service delivery.
With the motorcycles, farmers will now receive timely support and technical guidance from the extension officers.
The county further launched the distribution of 133,000 coffee seedlings to the farmers, a move embraced by ready awaiting prepared farmers.
In support of cooperative societies and green farming, Governor Bii also disbursed cheques worth KSh 2.42 million to Sugutek Farmers Cooperative Society and KSh 2.64 million to Tuiyotich FCS. These funds are designated for solarization projects under the Enterprise Development Grant Program, which aims to improve energy efficiency and sustainability in farming operations.
JUNCAO grass in Uasin Gishu
Another highlight of the day was the rollout of JUNCAO grass—a high-yield, protein-rich fodder crop capable of six harvests annually, supporting up to 18 animals per acre.
The county will also establish 28 demonstration plots across various wards to promote the adoption of this fodder, to significantly boost dairy production.
Agriculture Principal Secretary Dr Kiprono Rono presided over the event.
He said the programs align perfectly with the national government’s agenda for economic transformation and food security.
“With this vaccination program, coffee expansion, and the embrace of JUNCAO grass, our farmers are poised for real empowerment. We envision a dollar economy rooted in agriculture, and Uasin Gishu is leading the way,” the PS said.
“This county is also well on its path to becoming a coffee production hub, and we are welcoming investors to support that vision,” he added.
PS Rono also emphasized the importance of regulation in the agricultural sector, noting the government’s ongoing verification of pesticides and commitment to eliminating unauthorized products from the market.
He further urged farmers to embrace Artificial Insemination (AI) services, which have now been made more affordable, and focus on upgrading livestock breeds for better milk yields.
“We don’t want Uasin Gishu to just be a breadbasket, but we want it to be a wealthy basket, and our goal is to put farmers at the forefront, with access to better markets, packaging, and production technologies,” PS Rono said.
