Safaricom Foundation has kicked off the Wezesha Agri-Eco Hub Project in Busia County, investing Ksh. 120 million to assist over 5,000 youth, women, and people with disabilities.
The program focuses on agribusiness, enterprise development, and ecopreneurship, providing a two-year support plan aimed at improving agricultural production and youth livelihoods.
The initiative is a collaboration with several partners, including the Ustadi Foundation, Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA), Alupe University, and the County Government of Busia. This partnership seeks to offer training in agribusiness, digital literacy, and climate-smart farming practices.
Joseph Ogutu, Chairman of Safaricom Foundation, shared, “This project, part of our broader economic empowerment goals, is designed to help a new generation of agri-preneurs reshape agriculture into a profitable career choice.”
Key features of the program include:
- Training & Skills Development: Over 5,000 individuals will gain knowledge in agribusiness and digital skills to boost productivity and market engagement.
- Digital Finance Integration: The program will connect over 4,000 participants to digital financial platforms for loans, savings, and insurance, helping them grow their agribusinesses.
- Demo Farm & Green Technologies: A Centre of Excellence Demo Farm in Alupe will offer hands-on training in modern agricultural techniques, including solar-powered irrigation and biogas systems.
- Market Access: The initiative will link youth-led agribusinesses to global markets via e-commerce, encouraging enterprise growth and job creation.
The Ustadi Foundation has pledged Ksh. 18 million to support the initiative, while LBDA has provided a 12-acre demonstration farm. Alupe University and Busia County Government will assist with technical expertise and logistics.
Building on previous successes, such as the Kajiado County project, where over 1,000 youth and women began agribusinesses, Safaricom Foundation plans to expand this program to 18 counties if the Busia pilot proves successful.
This growth would position agriculture as a major contributor to youth employment and economic development across the country.
The Wezesha Agri-Eco Hub Project is part of Safaricom Foundation’s continued commitment to advancing economic empowerment, innovation, and sustainability in Kenya.