In a meeting with a delegation from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Governor George Natembeya of Trans Nzoia County conveyed his gratitude for the organization’s support in bolstering various development programs aimed at enhancing the well-being of the county’s residents. While expressing appreciation for USAID’s contributions, Governor Natembeya underscored the persistent challenge of limited resources hindering the realization of substantial development initiatives.
During the meeting, which was chaired by John Kuehle from USAID, discussions revolved around ongoing projects and potential avenues for injecting additional funding into key sectors such as agriculture and health. Governor Natembeya emphasized the vital role of financial resources in facilitating the establishment of significant developments within the county, noting that financial constraints often impede the government’s efforts in this regard.
USAID currently sponsors programs in the Agriculture and Health Departments, with a focus on initiatives such as poultry and dairy farming. The organization collaborates with four cooperative societies, two in each category, to support the improvement of biosecurity measures at the farm level, aiming to prevent disease outbreaks and enhance productivity. Dr. Christine Namiti, the County Director of Veterinary Services, highlighted the program’s impact on livestock management practices, including hygiene and vaccination protocols.
In light of the positive outcomes achieved through USAID’s support, Governor Natembeya urged the organization to consider expanding its collaboration to encompass a broader network of cooperative societies, from the existing four to sixty. Additionally, he advocated for the augmentation of extension officer numbers from the current 24 to 200, stressing the importance of enhancing outreach and capacity-building efforts in the agricultural sector.
John Kuehle assured Governor Natembeya that USAID would take into account the county’s requests for increased support and collaboration. The meeting also addressed key aspects of the program, including the prudent use of antimicrobials and the sponsorship of initiatives supporting HIV/AIDS prevention and reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health care networks.
In attendance at the meeting were Agriculture CECM Phanice Khatundi, Health CECM Pepela Wanjala, Chief Officers Patrick Osoro (Livestock Development), Sammy Sichangi (Agriculture), Dr. Judith Simiyu (Health), and Simon Mwombe (Agriculture Director), among others.
